The Object of the Game

The Bard Game represents Robert Burns' journey in life as he travelled enjoying many experiences, meeting many people from all walks of life and creating his works which have given generations enjoyment and inspiration over the centuries. The main objective of the Bard Game is to progress around the board from start to finish. Players will have to answer questions on the life times and works of Burns as they progress.

The Players

There are 8 individual player pieces which have been designed especially for the Bard Game: Robert Burns , Jean Armour, Tam O'Shanter, Holy Willie, Cutty Sark (The Witch), the Mouse, Meg and the Haggis. Each model was created from images taken from various books on Burns, apart from the Haggis, this image was taken from an ancient manuscript on indigenous Scottish species. The image of Burns is a diversion from the normal portrayals of Burns in Cameo style or full portrait as a young man, the model was actually from the portrait of Burns and Jean Armour in Glen Trool Forrest when they lived in Dumfries.

Robert Burns

Without Robert Burns there would be no Bard Game, but more importantly there would be a significant void in Scotland and the World's cultural heritage. Burns was a social and political observer, he wrote letters, essays, articles, poems, songs and had he lived longer may also have been a significant playwright. He is now regarded as one of the ten greatest Poets who has ever lived.

Tam O'Shanter

Tam O'Shanter is based on real life character Douglas Graham. He farmed Shanter which is not far from the town of Ayr (link?). Davidson was immortalised by Burns in Tam O'Shanter which was frst published in the Edinburgh Magazine in March 1791. Burns is said to have written Tam O'Shanter in one day and in one sitting. In fact he wrote it between November and December. It was composed for francis Grose who had asked Burns for a tale of witchcraft and the superstitious goings on of the era.

Holy Willie

Holy Willie is a character based on Mauchline (link) parish Elder William Fisher. Holy Willie's Prayer is a most excellent attempt by Burns to lay bare the hypocritical standards of the parish elder and those like him. Holy Willie was a hypocrite who prayed to a god of his own making . Following the eleventh commandment of "Thou shall not be found out".

Cutty Sark (The Witch)

A Cutty Sark in this respect is a short shirt worn by one of the witches Tam O'Shanter watched dancing in the grave yard at Alloway Kirk. He shouts out "weel done Cutty Sark". The witches, warlocks et al then give chase and it is Cutty Sark who catches poor Meg by her tail as she carries Tam over the Keystane of the Brig. A cutty sark is also a term used for old fashioned "tea clippers" which were fast sailing boats used to bring tea from India and China to the UK markets.Oneof these boats is preserved at Greenwich and has acarving of the Cutty Sark witch on her bow. There is also a Scotch whisky Cutty Sark.

Meg the Mare

Meg is Tam O'Shanters unfortunate steed, said to know her own way home from every drinking hole her master frequented. Meg's valiant escape from the witches and warlocks cost her her tail, but saved her masters life.

The Haggis

What can we say about the Haggis, famed Scottish beast that is inextricably linked with Burns through the Burns Supper. Many say that the Haggi still roam wild in the Scottish Highlands, some say it never existed at all and would never have graced Burns' table. The fact is the Haggis has a poem devoted entirely to it. Wherever Burns suppers are held the Haggis is addressed with due ceremony. But everyone agrees, there is no smoke without fire. Enjoy this character and make of the myth what you will.

The Mouse

The poor wee sleekit timourous beastie. Burns destroyed the mouse's nest and felt compelled to write of his guilt over man's dominion over nature. And they say Silent Spring was the start of the modern environmental revolution!

Jean Armour

Burns wife and enduring love.In modern terms Jean Armour would certainly be a woman hard done to. Often left on her own for long spells, no doubt aware of his constant wooing of other ladies and documented affairs. She remained his rock and a most dignified lady in her affairs long after Burn's passing.