MEMBERS of Mauchline Burns Club have gathered to mark 100 years of celebrating the life and work of Scotland's Bard.

Established back in 1923, the founding members stipulated that a celebration must be held every year, with the first taking place at Poosie Nansie's in Mauchline.

The initial celebration of the group was captured by the BBC more than 100 years ago, as a basis for a UK-wide Burns tribute.

Cumnock Chronicle: The Mauchline Burns Cub founding members in 1923.The Mauchline Burns Cub founding members in 1923. (Image: NQ Archive)

The annual celebrations continued during the Second World War, with the chairman travelling from Glasgow in the black out, and, more recently, virtual suppers were held during the pandemic.

This remarkable record is commemorated in the club’s centenary celebration.

Ian Lyell, the club's honorary president and a past secretary, said: "After two years of virtual suppers, it was with great relief our hundredth annual celebration could be held live on January 25, 2023 in Kilmarnock Supporters’ Club, [which has now become] our usual venue with a mixed company of around 70.

"With president Dougie Airbright in the chair the programme ran smoothly. Scots poet and local man, Rab Wilson delivered a personal and individual Immortal Memory.

Cumnock Chronicle: A great celebration on the night. (Image: Gavin Lyell)A great celebration on the night. (Image: Gavin Lyell) (Image: NQ Archive)

"Our veteran Andrew Cooper addressed the haggis in fine style. The Toast to the Lasses and the reply were offered by David Fotheringham and local lawyer Kirsty Murray."

Ian himself gave a short introduction to the first two Burns suppers.

Past president Andrew Bell launched an appeal to finance future projects, raising a healthy £400, with the raffle raising another £300.