THREE young Russians who were successful in the St Petersburg Forum “Knowledge of Scotland” competition visited Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns.

The visit which took place on September 23, started with a trip to the Varyag Memorial at Lendalfoot with Past Alloway Burns Club presidents, Margaret and John Skilling. Soon after, senior vice-president Andy Moynihan, gave them a guided tour of locations in Alloway most closely associated with the Bard.

After a meal with council member Beth Kerr the visitors arrived at Alloway Church Halls where president Malcolm Ferguson welcomed them. The 60 members and friends quickly realised why the evening had been advertised as “St Petersburg Stars” as the trio gave outstandingly entertaining performances.

Gregory Katsenelson gave an excellent account of the life of James Watt and his connections to Russia. Then Aleksey Kruchinin had everyone laughing as he retold the story of iron and steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

After supper, Kira Usatenko enthralled the company as she retold the story of Tam o’ Shanter from the viewpoint of his horse. All three then sang a traditional Russian folksong.

In between these performances, a number of the club’s own stars performed songs, recitations and musical items including three of our junior members, Cameron Kerr and Calum and Rebecca Hannah. After the vote of thanks from Junior Vice-president Maureen Leitch, the evening finished with the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne.

The Alloway Burns Club wished their Russian friends a safe journey home as they left Alloway each with the gift from the Club of a book on Burns.