Friday 12th October, 7.30pm
Ceilidh Dance with a Difference
This year’s two day event we celebrate the life and work of Allan Ramsay (1684-1758) with a Ceilidh Dance with a Difference. With Concerto Caledonia leading the evening we tap into the roots of Scottish folk music with dances and tunes from the time of Allan Ramsay. Many of the dances will not have been seen before and let’s just say in Ramsay’s time they knew how to make the evening go with a swing. Friday 12th October, 7.30pm – buffet supper included. Bar. Over 18s. Tickets £15pp available via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/allan-ramsay-ceilidh-tickets-49932383102
Saturday 13th October, 7.30pm
Allan Ramsay Celebration Dinner
The annual Allan Ramsay Celebration Dinner 2018 will be held at The Allan Ramsay Hotel, in Carlops near Penicuik on Saturday 13th October from 7.30pm. Guests will enjoy a 3 Course Dinner with wine and be treated to short performances of some scenes from The Gentle Shepherd, Ramsay’s pastoral drama and best known work which was set in the countryside around the village. Prof. Murray Pittock will also give a Toast to the Immortal Memory. Tickets are limited £35pp and are available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/allan-ramsay-dinner-2018-tickets-49933109274
Allan Ramsay (1684-1758)
Allan Ramsay occupies a unique position in literary history: an important poet and playwright, influential on a range of writers, Ramsay was also a cultural entrepreneur of astonishing versatility and originality. He used classical models to argue for the validity of Scots as a British literary language. His assiduous networking helped to internationalize Scottish culture, develop the infrastructure of the Enlightenment, and lay the foundations for the success of his son, the painter of the same name. Both his poetry and drama continue to be a significant part of Scottish literature and heritage.
His statue can be found in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh; a plaque to his memory is located at Grayfriars Kirk and the house he built now known as Ramsay Gardens lies at the heart of the city – all bear testament to his importance to Edinburgh and Scotland.
