Burns 250th celebrations in Dumfries

[Darkislander]

These are good.

[Hamish]

Great photos, Trefor - thank you for them.

Jumping on your band-waggon, perhaps this is the best place to add my humble offerings. Whilst unpacking the car on arrival at The Ferintosh, Jim and I were 'accosted' by a fellow in overalls who insisted that he had something to show us in his warehouse at the top of Watling Street - something we just HAD to see! Not knowing what to expect, we followed him into the building and there he proudly showed us the Tam O'Shanter wicker statue which was to be burned on the River Nith on the Sunday evening. It was most impressive, a work of art indeed, and it had been constructed over two weeks just where we stood. As we saw it, it was in three sections:

Tam on his horse, Meg -


the witch who would fly behind attached to the horse's tail -


and the brig on which the entire construction would stand -


Early on the Saturday morning, all three sections were transported to the far side of the river, opposite the Whitesands, where they were assembled on a raft



before being towed out to the middle of the river - as seen in Trefor's fine pictures - for the following day's celebrations.

I believe Alex was the only one of our group to see the firing of the statue - the rest of us were all too busy climbing into our finery for the big Burns Supper at the University campus!

Take care,
Ham.

[McClef]

Thanks for the additional pictures Hamish - you were privileged to see it in the warehouse!

At Whitesands outside the Coach and Horses was a kilted chap.



And a closer view.

[McClef]

Three separate marches were queued up and here are some shots of one of them.

A dragon - not sure what that has to do with Burns though.



One of the pipe bands.

[McClef]

A commemorative arch.



The pipe band at rest.

[Mipi]

Can we see any photos of burning sculpture?

[cessna152towser]

Can we see any photos of burning sculpture?

I already posted a couple of pics of the burning wicker sculpture here:-

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ight=sculpture

Well done Hamish on the behind the scenes tour!!

[McClef]

The pipe band from another procession awaits on the old footbridge.



And coming off the bridge and on to Whitesands.

[McClef]

Pleat shot of the band.



And another.



One of the many "wee sleekit cowerin timrous beasties."

[cessna152towser]

Re pleats shot of the band:-

Annan Royal British Legion Pipe Band
Black Stewart tartan.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...ghlight=stilts