A leading expert on Scotland’s best loved poet Robert Burns will give a glimpse into the impact of Burns’ favourite books upon the bard at a talk at the Wigtown Book Festival on Wednesday 1 October.

David Hopes, project curator for the National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, will focus on the influence of Burns’ favourite books upon the poet’s own work at the McNeillie Tent from 10.30am.

David Hopes said: “It’s a pleasure to be participating in the Wigtown Book Festival and to continue spreading the word of Burns, who is still so inspiring to many, almost 250 years after his birth.

“I’ll be looking at the significance of Burns’s early reading during this talk. There is no doubt that Burns was heavily influenced by his favourite writers who helped him develop the style for which he is now so celebrated.

“It’s also a great opportunity to talk to some real Burns enthusiasts about the museum collection in Alloway which holds some real literary treasures that are such a significant part of our Scottish heritage.”

David will also discuss plans for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which is due to be completed in 2010.

David Hopes ‘Burns’s Books’
Wigtown Book Festival
Wednesday 1st October, from 10.30am
Price: £6
For more information visit: www.wigtownbookfestival.com/