Burns and Language: Heat
We are edging close to December now, but if you’re anything like me you will be getting annoyed at all the shops for talking of Christmas too early. So I shall refrain from surfing the yule...
Category: Burns and Language
Burns and Language: Halloween
If you are reading this, we have survived Halloween and all the “ghaists and houlets” are safely gone for another year! The folklore surrounding Halloween did appear to interest Robert Burns, even if only...
Burns and Language: Autumn
It’s getting colder this time of year as Autumn has us firmly in its grasp. There is a noticeable change in the atmosphere, from the great summer we have had, when we venture outdoors....
Burns and Language: Sorry
Word of the Week: Sorry The Robert Burns Word of the Week is back! I am very sorry there hasn’t been a Word of the Week recently. The events of PhD life overtook...
Burns and Language: Fidge
Hello! You will probably be aware that tomorrow is the Calcutta Cup rugby match between Scotland and England and there is a bit of fidgin’ going on amongst the ranks here in Scotland. Now...
Burns and Language: Rousing
Well, Burns night has passed for another year and we are recovering at the Centre for Burns Studies, so it is time to get back to work. Our conference went really well and there...
Burns and Language: Skirl
With Burns Night fast approaching I thought it high time to have a good Scots word as the Burns Word of the Week. And you have no doubt heard the skirl of the bagpipes...
Burns and Language: Inspiration
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a good Hogmanay! It is the start of a new year and a point in time when we all need a bit of inspiration, whether it’s...
Burns and Language: Syne
Christmas has passed and it’s very nearly Hogmanay, so grab a dram, dig out your words to ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and get ready for the Bells! We all know what “auld lang syne” means...
Burns and Language: Elf
Well, it’s December, classes have finished, and we’ve had some snow, which can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming. So, I thought this week’s Word of the Week should be a Christmassy one...