The Irvine Burns Club, based at the Wellwood Burns Centre & Museum, was founded on 2 June 1826 and is one of the world's longest continuously active Burns Clubs. At least five personal friends of Robert Burns were among the group of local gentleman, whose idea it was to form the club. Irvine in North Ayrshire is an old market town and port situated on the west coast of Scotland, approx 14 miles north of Ayr.
Wellwood House, Irvine Burns Club
The Robert Burns statue on Irvine Moor.
Burns family stained glass window at the Irvine burns Club.
Life of Burns stained glass window at the Irvine Burns Club.
Burns Clubs exist throughout the world to encourage and cherish the memory of Robert Burns, to foster a love of his writings and generally to encourage an interest in the Scots Language and Literature. An emphasis on encouraging the young to take an interest in Burns is found in most clubs through poetry, singing and other competitions. Once mainly existing as 'male only' clubs in the mould of the Tarbolton 'Batchelor's Club' most now welcome women as fellow members. Ladies Burns Clubs also exist such as the 'Irvine Lasses' that was established in 1975; it has appointed several male 'Honorary Lasses'.
The portrait of Burns, by Alexander Nasmyth, 1787 (detail)
The Tarbolton Batchelors' Club, model for Burns clubs the world over.
Part of the Irvine Burns Club's Presidents Chain of Office.
Burns Cottage, Alloway, Scotland.