Rabbie's Still The Man

0 - 0 • Published 10 Jun 2009 11:37 0 Comments

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STRATHCLYDE residents know their Rabbie Burns from their Robbie Coltrane with 85 percent of those asked able to name the poet as our National Bard.

In the 250th anniversary of his birth Rabbie still holds firm in the nation"s mind in a poll conducted by Historic Scotland to celebrate its six months free offer for family memberships.

The poll found Scots know their history with eight out of 10 able to name Rabbie as the National Bard while more than two thirds were able to correctly answer that the Auld Alliance was an agreement between Scotland and France.

The Scottish Opinion poll was carried out on behalf of Historic Scotland following the launch of their special offer to encourage families to get out and Make Their Own History.

Susan Loch, Head of Visitor Services at Historic Scotland said: 'The results of our snapshot poll were positive. Scots are proud of their nation"s heritage and culture. Understanding Scottish history is made all the more exciting when you can visit the place where it happened and learn about the people that created it. Bringing the stories of those people to life is a key part of what Historic Scotland delivers.

'Our historic properties are part of Scotland"s identity and we are encouraging families to build their own history while throughout the year at a low cost at places like Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles'

Those living in Rabbie"s home county of Strathclyde were the second most likely to identify his official title with 85 percent however those from Dumfries took first place with 100 percent.

Just 11 percent of Scots said they didn"t know who the National Bard was while two percent thought it was playwright and poet Liz Lochhead and one percent said it was Robbie Coltrane. Rod Stewart was also a slim favourite for the title with another one percent voting for him.

When asked what the Auld Alliance was 64 per cent of those living in Strathclyde correctly saying it was an agreement between Scotland and France. Individuals in Tayside topped the poll with 75 percent answering correctly. Lothian and Borders residents came second with 72 percent. Interestingly 11 percent of Scots thought it was a Scotland verses England football game while two percent said it was the name of a pub and a further two percent thought it was the name of an old bank.

People living in Tayside were the most knowledgeable of Scotland"s history while those living in the Highlands and Islands were the least likely to know about their nation"s past.

The survey also found 59 percent of Scots families expect to spend up to £50 every time they spend the day together. Historic Scotland"s Make Your Own History campaign aims to offer an affordable way for families to explore the nation"s heritage and spend quality time together by offering six months free membership when people buy 12 months.

A family of six will pay just £6.16 a month to get free access to more than 70 properties across Scotland, allowing them to brush up on their knowledge of Scottish history and enjoy a fun, family day out at the same time.

There are more than 70 Historic Scotland properties across Scotland with a wide-range of activities and events for all the family. For more information visit www.6monthsfree.co.uk

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