Armed forces personnel and UK diplomatic staff across the world have teamed up for a poetry recital to mark Burns Night.
The video shows UK Government staff and Scottish service personnel including Major Jonny Rourke, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, Bombardier Steven Cunningham and Chief Petty Officer John Boyle reciting Burns’ most famous work, the Address to a Haggis.
The UK Government will also host a reception at Lancaster House in London to celebrate the life and work of Scotland’s Bard.
Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: “This week the whole country will celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s greatest cultural icons.
“His works are justly famous right across the globe. From Ayrshire to Atlanta, and from Cumbernauld to Canberra, on Wednesday Burns’ work will be celebrated in homes and Burns societies all over the world.
“Burns’ legacy remains relevant around the world and, as someone from Dumfries, Burns has always played an important part in my life.
“On Burns Night, I will be promoting Scotland’s fine produce at a reception with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. And, of course, toasting the Bard with a wee dram of guid auld Scotch.”
