The Globe Inn, Robert Burns’ favourite “howff”, was packed on the evening of 19th September for the 29th “Tam o’ Shanter” reciting competition held by Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No.1.
Seven “Tams” from all over the land were welcomed by club president Dr. Ruth Thomson and invited to perform in turn. Each had his own interpretation of Burns’ famous tale, some with props and some without and a few produced examples of dramatic emphasis, but at the end, Lex Muir from Newton Stewart was declared winner with runner –up Scott McEwan of Fauldhouse and Alain English from London in third place.
Principal Judge, David Baird, secretary of Dumfries Burns Club, praised all seven competitors and admitted that choosing the winner was a difficult task. The other judges were David Brown from Greenock, who was last years’ winner and Mrs. Jean McMillan-Forster, president of Dumfries Burns Club
The trophy was presented to Mr. Muir by Brian Goldie, junior vice president of the Robert Burns World Federation.
During thejudges’ retiral, the company was entertained by John Caskie augmented by some visitors.
John proposed a comprehensive vote of thanks to the competitors, judges, the chairman Dr. Thomson, Dumfries Ladies Burns Club N.1 not forgetting the Globe Inn staff before a spirited rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” brought the evening to a close.
Group photo: Competitors, judges and officials
