The Not So Serious Burns Unit
Poet Hamish MacDonald and musician Liza Mulholland bring their brilliant Fringe show back to the Burns Club on Sunday 23 August at 3pm.
An alternative take on Scotland’s national bard, Hamish and Liza present a mix of bittersweet, comedic and satirical songs, from the pen of (and influenced by) Robert Burns, with some spoken word poetry along the way.
A songwriter and slam poetry champion, Hamish was Scots Scriever at the National Library of Scotland and first Robert Burns Writing Fellow. He recently published Square Baw, a book of “poems on the beautiful game”.
Songwriter/musician Liza is co-creator and performer/producer of 5-star touring show Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey, is writer/performer on Edge of the World Cabaret and collaborates with many artistes on diverse cross-artform projects.
Tickets from Eventbrite (£10 for Members/Associates, £16.96 non members)
Music at the Burns Club
Banjo Brian McKay brings hugely talented traditional musicians and singers together for another Music at the Burns Club, the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The next one is Sunday 13 September at 2 pm … keep an eye on Eventbrite for tickets.
Past Events
Sheena, Burns and the Burns Club
This was a joint promotion by the Wighton Centre and Dundee Burns Club. Sheena Wellington has been talking about Burns and singing his songs for decades; her authority on all matters to do with Scottish traditional music has been recognised by honorary degrees from Dundee and St Andrews Universities, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
She is one of the first female members of Dundee Burns Club, and Vice Chair of the Friends of Wighton, which runs classes and concerts, all featuring traditional music.
In a presentation featuring songs and stories, Sheena reflected on Burns and what he means for Scots music and culture.
The venue was the Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library, a hidden gem (much like the Burns Club) which holds the Wighton collection of traditional Scots music and organises regular events and classes.
The Best o Burns
Kevin Thompson is an excellent singer and guitar player who is steeped in the songs of Robert Burns. His Edinburgh Fringe show, the Best o Burns, came to Dundee Burns Club in April to much acclaim from the audience.
This show featured a hugely experienced performer delivering his most popular works in a genuine unadorned style, with tasteful guitar accompaniment interspersed with humour and slides to match.
Two Successful Burns Suppers
2026 opened with two traditional Burns Suppers, featuring a three course dinner, pipes, songs, speeches, recitations and fun. The Members’ Burns Supper, open to Members and their guests, was on 24th January and was an excellent night of songs and music with a very well appreciated Immortal Memory from Professor Bob Steele.
The Open Burns Supper is for everyone, and took place on the 31st January. It’s a popular event and all the tickets were sold. The Immortal Memory was delivered by Paul Malgrati, author of “Robert Burns and Scottish Cultural Politics.”
St Andrews Night and another Music at the Burns Club
There were two busy and highly entertaining events in the Burns Club to finish off 2025. Our St Andrews Night Dinner featured songs and speeches, a delicious dinner and the Selkirk Grace rendered in Scots and Ukrainian.
In December we had another successful Music at the Burns Club, with Banjo Brian McKay marshalling some fearsomely talented musicians playing a wide range of traditional styles and singing some great songs. You can hear 15 minutes of clips from the session here … https://youtu.be/QRMGLVfHfws
You can also enjoy clips from previous sessions here … https://youtu.be/GDoeDWcSa7Y
Other Events
The Club hosts Music at the Burns Club, a traditional folk music session brought together by “Banjo” Brian Mckay; talks such as Paul Philippou’s presentation on the poetry of William Soutar; a St Andrews’ Night celebration and three Burns Suppers to celebrate the Bard’s birthday in January.
We joined together with our Ukrainian friends to read poetry from their national poet, Shevchenko, and from Burns; and trades unionists held a reception in the Club after their May Day rally.
The Club is also used for family and social events.
Members and Associate Members receive emails with information about our events, and we advertise public events on eventbrite.
Coming Events
More info in News & Links
Music at the Burns Club – Sunday 22 March
Best O Burns – Sunday April 26 at 2 pm