A BORDERS schoolgirl has performed an Address to a Haggis for Burns lovers around the world.

Jemima Bevan was given the honour of performing at the official launch of the Big Burns Supper in Dumfries which was streamed live around the world via the Scottish Government's social media channels.

With thousands tuning in, the live supper provided a unique chance to bring people together around the world before they take part in their own special celebrations.

And taking a starring role was 12-year-old Jemima from Duns.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop was amongst the audience.

She said: "Robert Burns is recognised and commemorated the world over, and has become such an important cultural figure over 200 years after his death.

"He continues to touch people’s lives with his prose, works and songs, and marking his birthday today is the perfect opportunity for us to come together as a nation to celebrate this, and moreover our rich heritage, culture and creativity.”

A series of events and festivals have been taking place up and down the country as part of the Scottish Government’s Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme, capturing the spirit of Burns and reflecting the quality and diversity of Scottish culture.

With many events running until the end of January, from the Big Burns Birthday Bash in Burns Cottage in Alloway, a Night at the Museum in The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow to 'Jamaica Sings Robert Burns' at the Bemis Celebrates Burns event part of Celtic Connections in Glasgow, all are designed to showcase Scotland’s affection for our best loved poet.

Outside of Scotland, celebrations for Robert Burns’ birthday are held annually on an international level, with Burns suppers, ceilidh dancing, poetry and storytelling taking place across the globe, demonstrating the far-reaching affection for our much-loved poet.

The full events programme is available on scotland.org/burns along with a sharable video, a digital Scotland’s Winter Festivals ‘A Beginners’ Guide’, and a wealth of recipes and tips to help people from Scotland and oversees plan their own unique way of celebrating Burns Night and experience the very best of Scotland.