Prestwick-Bound Travellers Treated to a Lyrical Check-in
Passengers arriving at the City of Derry Airport in Northern Ireland today were treated to the sounds of a traditional Scottish piper as VisitScotland teamed up with Ryanair to host a celebration of Burns Night.
For those lucky enough to be travelling on the Ryanair flight from Northern Ireland into Prestwick in Scotland, there are extra treats to mark the life and work of the country’s famous bard. Adult passengers on the Derry to Prestwick flight will be handed complimentary goodie bags containing Walkers shortbread and a miniature Johnnie Walker bottle of whisky. They will also be given Robert Burns songbooks and join members of the crew in celebrating the unique talents of Scotland’s bard.
The VisitScotland initiative aims to give Northern Ireland passengers a real taste of Scotland on their journey to the home of Robert Burns. Burns Night is celebrated every year across Northern Ireland, with an increasing range of events scheduled throughout the province with thousands of Ulster Scots expected to raise a toast to commemorate the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Passengers on the Derry to Prestwick flight are among thousands of Burns enthusiasts from Northern Ireland expected to make the journey by air or sea to perhaps the best place to soak up the tradition and culture…in Scotland itself.
Mayor of Derry Alderman Maurice Devenney commented: “We are very pleased to support VisitScotland in bringing a taste of Scotland to the City of Derry Airport in celebration of Burns Night this year. The traditional piper proved somewhat of a wake-up call for passengers arriving early to the airport. Beyond our ancestral connections, I believe Northern Ireland has a special affinity with Scotland in terms of the warmth and hospitality of our people. We are therefore delighted to support this special Burns Night initiative.”
Maria Macken of Ryanair said: “Ryanair is delighted to welcome Northern Ireland passengers into Scotland on this special day. There is no better place to celebrate Burns night than in the birthplace of the poet himself. Ryanair operates a total of 62 routes to and from Scotland, giving passengers all over Europe the chance to explore this fascinating country.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “People from all over the world enjoy celebrating the work of Scotland’s Bard on Burns Night. Rabbie Burns is an iconic symbol of our country. Visitors to Scotland can visit some of the wonderful places connected with Burns as well as experience our famous traditional Burns Night supper this evening.”
There are a number of special and surprising Burns events scheduled across Scotland this year. Whisky lovers will find a warm welcome at Burns-themed events at the Scotch whisky training school at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh while the Famous Grouse distillery in Perthshire is hosting a special Burns tour to include; a dram, a serving of haggis, neeps and tatties and a Burns recital. Music and storytelling promise merry-making for all ages with a special Burnsfest for 2012 taking place as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals in the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. Those visiting the region of Dumfries and Galloway, can enjoy a new festival - the Big Burns Supper taking place from 27 - 28 January.
For those inspired by Burns Night to explore Scotland in 2012, should go to www.visitscotland.com/surprise, which also contains over 300 discount vouchers for places to stay, things to see and do and places to eat across Scotland.
Northern Ireland travellers to Scotland can avail of additional celebrations this year. The Year of Creative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and celebrates Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage with a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage. More information about the programme can be found at: http://www.visitscotland.com/creative