6 days ago
Hamilton Burns Club marks Bard's anniversary with ceremony at historic statue
The statue in the Town House foyer was restored a decade ago after being lost during a refurbishment and relocated following an enquiry from the other side of the world
A historic Robert Burns statue which was rediscovered a decade ago thanks to detective work from the other side of the world took pride of place at a celebration of the Bard in Hamilton.
The sculpture of the Scots writer at Hamilton town house was at the centre of the annual wreath-laying ceremony by members of the Lanarkshire association of Burns clubs – led by Hamilton Burns Club president Colonel Mike Edwards OBE and World Burns Federation president Peter Pringle.
It has been a key feature since being restored in 2015 to its prime spot in the foyer beside the town's library; after enquiries from an Australian politician led to the statue being unearthed from a basement after having been moved for renovation works and subsequently forgotten.
Last weekend's rededication ceremony marked the 229th anniversary of Burns' death and also came just weeks before the 10th anniversary of the refurbished statue being restored to its prominent place in the A-listed town house.
Hamilton Burns Club members welcomed fellow Lanarkshire members, supporters and past presidents for the annual moment of reflection, including a 'heartfelt' address from Mr Pringle and the playing of a lament by past president Stewart Carle, before the group made their way to nearby Hamilton Old parish church for a short service led by Rev Ross Blackman.
A wreath was laid beside the statue by renowned Scottish sculptor William Birnie Rhind (1853–1933) – which was rediscovered after a enquiry from Gordon Ashley, a former member of the Victoria Parliament, who was researching a book on Burns memorials and asked: 'Whatever happened to the Hamilton Burns statue?'
His query from 12,000 miles away reached local Burns clubs and South Lanarkshire Council, prompting an investigation with the result that 'to widespread surprise, the statue was located in council storage – intact and remarkably well-preserved'.
Larkhall councillor Lesley McDonald recalls receiving a 2014 phone call from Mr Ashley about 'a 'missing' Burns statue last known to be in the care of South Lanarkshire Council' and said: 'After speaking with staff at Hamilton town house, the statue was found in the basement, wrapped in straw. It had been placed there years earlier during renovation works.
'It was clear the statue needed conservation. The then-council leader, Eddie McAvoy, agreed to fund 50 per cent of the restoration on the condition that the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs raised the rest.'
A fundraising concert featuring Burns enthusiasts from all over the country brought in the necessary sum of over £3000 and the statue was restored to its original condition by sculpture experts in Edinburgh.
It was formally unveiled in its current prominent Town House spot by South Lanarkshire provost Eileen Logan on August 14 2015 – with special guest Mr Ashley travelling from Australia to attend the occasion as it was restored to public view.
The statue was originally gifted to the people of Hamilton by the 4th Baronet of Earnock, Sir Derrick William Inglefield Inglefield-Watson; it was removed ahead of renovations at the Cadzow Street building between 2002 and 2004, being put into storage but had been uncatalogued and over time, 'slipped from civic memory'.
Colonel Edwards said: 'The statue had been forgotten – but Burns, as ever, finds his way back. It's extraordinary that a question from across the globe could bring a piece of Hamilton's cultural soul back into the light.
'We were proud to lead this rededication and to celebrate the values the Bard stood for: equality, compassion, truth.'
Mr Pringle agreed: 'Burns was a global citizen long before the phrase existed. That someone in Australia could be the spark for a Scottish town to reconnect with its heritage shows the reach of his words and spirit. Hamilton honoured him in fine style.'
Hamilton Burns Club say the annual ceremony shows 'renewed pride for the region and its cultural heritage', and are inviting new members and supporters to join them.
Colonel Edwards added: 'This isn't just about heritage; Burns speaks to our own times – about fairness, humour, and the power of words. We're inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to join us, whether they know every verse or just want to share good company.'
The club's next major event is its annual anniversary dinner on Friday, January 23 2026, described as 'a vibrant evening of speeches, songs, and fellowship'. For tickets and enquiries, email secretary@ and all are welcome to attend.
