GUESTS at the annual Burns Humanitarian Award Ceremony 2016 celebrated the hard work and determination of their finalists who have saved lives in dire circumstances.

The evening, took place January 21 at the Brig O' Doon hotel in Alloway was compered by actress Libby McArthur.

Speaking about the event Libby said: " Burns was the greatest humanitarian of his day. All creatures were equal in his eyes. You can see the great things our finalists have achieved. There should be more of them."

Roddy Hart &The Lonsome Fire and Eilidh Grant, with Neil Sturgeon on guitar treated their audience to a selection of folk songs. A snack pot was provided just before the winner of the Humanitarian Award was announced.

Majory Holms, a guest from Langbank, gave her thoughts on the evening.
She said: "This is my first time here and I am impressed. I have have never been to a Burns celebration before. David Nott is friends with my son in law and was best man at his wedding."

One member of the public who also enjoyed the night was Andrew Fraser from Ayr. He said: "This event just brings attention to the fabulous work that all the finalists have done.

"It is all about community, in Holland for example, people are members of up to five different organisations - how many people in Scotland can say they do so much for their communities?

"It's utterly inspiring."

MSP John Scott also attended the event. He said: "I am so glad I did not need to pick the winner. The work these finalists have done and the lives they have brought forward and improved is truly exceptional and inspirational.

"They all deserve to win."

The night concluded with more entertainment from Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire.