The legacy of 18th-century poet Robert Fergusson, who is said to have inspired Robert Burns, will be commemorated on the 250th anniversary of his death.
Fergusson died in an asylum in Edinburgh on October 17, 1774, at the age of 24 after suffering a head injury. His poetry, written in both Scots and English, reflects the everyday life of Edinburgh, which is known as “Auld Reikie,” a term that translates to “Old Smoky” due to the smog trapped between the city’s narrow buildings.
One year before his death, Fergusson penned his most famous work, Auld Reikie, A Poem. His writings greatly influenced Burns, who later erected a memorial at Fergusson’s unmarked grave in Edinburgh, referring to him as “Scotia’s poet.” In a letter to Dr. John Moore in August 1787, Burns expressed that he had nearly given up on poetry until he encountered Fergusson’s work.
A series of events will take place starting Monday to honor Fergusson, including a podcast and an evening dedicated to his poetry. Author Andrew O’Hagan, known for his novel Mayflies, praised Fergusson as a key figure in Scottish literature, calling him “beautiful intelligence secreted in the Scots vernacular.”
Professor Rhona Brown, who is leading the commemorative efforts, remarked, “Robert Fergusson is one of Scotland’s most important poets, but he is often misunderstood. He vividly depicts the ordinary life of Edinburgh in his masterpiece Auld Reikie, showcasing his astute and satirical style.”
Fergusson’s influence extended to other writers, including Robert Louis Stevenson. Professor Brown emphasized Burns’s profound connection to Fergusson, noting that Burns’s autobiographical letter highlights how Fergusson reignited his passion for poetry. Burns’s memorial stone serves as a pilgrimage site for lovers of Scottish poetry.
The University of Glasgow’s podcast, Stories from Glasgow, will celebrate Fergusson’s legacy starting October 14. On October 17, the anniversary of his death, an event titled Remembering Robert Fergusson: A Night of Poetry and Music will take place at St Cecilia’s Hall in Edinburgh, featuring notable guests such as writer and broadcaster Billy Kay, authors Andrew O’Hagan and James Robertson, and musician David Hamilton.
O’Hagan stated, “For many Scottish writers, Fergusson’s voice has resonated through the generations, embodying warmth, humor, and intelligence in the Scots vernacular. I’m honored to participate in this event celebrating his legacy.”
In 2004, a bust of Fergusson was created by sculptor David Annand and placed in Edinburgh’s Canongate. Kay expressed his excitement about sharing his experiences with Fergusson’s work, stating, “Discovering the ‘fizzing vitality’ of Fergusson’s poetry inspired my passion for Scottish literature during my studies at the University of Edinburgh in the early 1970s. I look forward to sharing this with the audience.”
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