Earlier this year (September 2008) The Famous Grouse and Homecoming Scotland challenged budding poets to pen a new toast to mark Homecoming 2009 and  to launch The World Famous Burns Supper Campaign, paying homage to the tipple most associated with the Bard, Scotch Whisky.

The entries poured in from around the world including the USA, Australia and Canada, spurred on by the promise that the overall winner’s toast would be read at the official Burns Supper in Alloway attended by the First Minister of Scotland on Saturday 24th January 2009.

The toast submitted by Mary MacIntyre from East Kilbride, Glasgow, was selected after her winning entry impressed the judges by capturing the spirit of Homecoming:

By Mary MacIntyre

 

Tae Rabbie Burns Scotland's Son

Wha' words a million hearts hae won

We fill oor glass o' golden grain

The Famous Grouse we proudly drain

So here's a toast in celebration

Tae Rabbie, tae whisky, tae Scotland Our Nation

The toast will also be printed on the 250 bottles of a limited edition of The Famous Grouse, 37 year old blended malt, signifying every year of Burns’ extraordinary life, which will be auctioned off at some of the most prestigious Burns Suppers around the world. One of these precious bottles will also be received by Mary MacIntyre in recognition of her excellent toast.

There were four runners up: John Mackenzie from Westbank in British Columbia; Adelaide Agate from Sydney, Australia; George Butler from Ulverston in Cumbria; and Brian Leaning-Mizen from Helena Valley in Western Australia who will each receive a personalised bottle of The Famous Grouse.

All of the toasts were judged by an industry panel from the world of Whisky and Burns including John Ramsay, Master Blender of The Famous Grouse and a Burns enthusiast, Marie Christie, Director of Homecoming Scotland 2009, Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, and representatives from The World Burns Federation.

The Famous Toast competition kicked off the start of The World Famous Burns Supper Celebrations, launched by Homecoming Scotland and The Famous Grouse, Scotland’s Favourite Whisky, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard. For the first time ever The World Famous Burns Supper Celebration will unite both experienced Burnsians and Burns novices around the world encouraging them to come together online, registering their celebrations – big, small, traditional or unusual.

To register your Burns Supper and to join in the World Famous Burns Supper celebration in 2009, log on to www.burnssupper2009.com.

Runner up entries

To Robert Burns a toast of pride
With whisky that makes me warm inside
Homecoming Scots that enjoy a nip
Warming their hearts, after a sip,
Giving a toast, as the world slowly turns
To Scotland's Bard - Rabbie Burns
By John Mackenzie, British Columbia

Let’s drink a toast with Grouse whisky
Tae ye that bide across the sea
To the land of Robert Burns ye've came
Welcome tae the Homecoming - yir Hame!
By Adelaide Agate, Sydney, Australia

Rise Scotland, Rise and celebrate
This night of Scotia's utmost great,
Let's toast his works to louse and mouse
With a well filled glass of The Famous Grouse,
Immortal memories forever live on
Please stand to Burns our greatest son
By George Butler in Cumbria

All raise your glasses to our host as we behold The Famous Toast
Now bow your heads and all hearts yearn as we remember Rabbie Burns
Sip it slow and savor deep fond memories of Scotland keep.
By Brian Leaning-Mizen from Western Australia