CUMNOCK Burns Club are hosting their first Burns Supper for three years at the Royal Hotel on Friday.

A group of members got together to resurrect the annual event in March last year after external pressures led to the supper falling by the wayside in 2016 and 2017.

The club, number 45 of the National Burns Federation, was established in 1887 with a local draper – William Hill – and tailor – James Breckenridge – as the first president and secretary.

With a rich history, current secretary Sam Wilson is keen to ensure it continues for many years to come. Sam said: “A small group of members got together in March to try to resurrect the Cumnock Burns Club Supper. Namely, myself, Jim Smith, Ian Farrell, Robin Hunter, John Crawford, David Morton, Alex McPhee, Scott Love and Andrew Smith.

“We decided for a number of reasons that the next Burns Supper would be held on Friday, January 12 at 6.30pm. A real guid nicht is in prospect.”

Robin Hunter added: “The club was honoured to be chosen by the BBC to be broadcast live from the Dumfries Hotel in 1961. Over the years, the club has had many local speakers and entertainers.

“Sheriff Reginal Levett and Sheriff David Smith were stalwarts of the club for many years. As far as the entertainers go, the club were very lucky to have the likes of Jimmy Barnes, John Merry, Willie Strachan and Hunter Faulds to name but a few.

“Sadly the club did not have a supper over the last two years but this has now been rectified and hopefully it will continue for many years to come.”

Tickets cost £25 and are available from Kerr & Smith, Ayr Road, Cumnock or they can be reserved by calling Nicola or Karen on 01290 422 440 or by calling Jim Smith on 01290 422 440.