Ayrshire is marking the 240th anniversary of the Kilmarnock Edition, the book that launched Robert Burns' career and secured his place as Scotland's National Bard. A programme of exhibitions, events and activities across East Ayrshire throughout 2026 will explore the story behind the publication.
Rare Artefacts at the Dick Institute
At the heart of the celebrations is the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock, where visitors can see rare objects linked to Burns. Highlights include the Kirk Session Book, believed to be the only known document in the world bearing both the signatures of Robert Burns and Jean Armour. A replica of the printing press used to produce the Kilmarnock Edition is also on display, bringing to life the craft and innovation behind the publication.
Exhibitions and Events
The anniversary programme includes 'A Type of Enlightenment', an exhibition on the history of printing and its role in the Scottish Enlightenment. Contemporary artist Graham Fagen's exhibition, 'The Kilmarnock Edition', offers a fresh perspective by examining Burns' planned emigration to Jamaica before the book's success changed his life. Through themes of identity, migration, empire and memory, it invites visitors to consider how different history might have been had Burns boarded the ship he intended to take.
Celebrating Burns' Life in Mauchline
The programme also celebrates Burns' life in nearby Mauchline, where visitors can discover sites connected to the poet and Jean Armour, including the room where they once lived, the graves of people who inspired characters in his poems, and locations that reveal the real stories behind some of his most famous verses.
Inspiring New Generations
Activities at Poets' Corner, the Post a Poet competition, and Rab's Summer School at the Killie Print Shop will encourage young people to explore poetry, storytelling and printing traditions. By connecting Burns' legacy with today's young voices, the programme aims to inspire the next generation of writers, poets and storytellers.
For more information about the Burns celebrations, visit Ayrshire360.com.
