Allan Wilson: "Greatest cultural icon"

He also wants more to be done to introduce children and young people to the work of Burns.

Mr Wilson offered suggestions for ways in which this could be achieved and called on the Burns community to offer their own ideas.

He told delegates: "Burns' Day is a time honoured and hugely enjoyable occasion and it is important that there is widespread participation.

"I don't believe we make best use of our greatest cultural icon in promoting Scottish culture and tourism and I am determined to change that.

"Scotland is proud of Burns but we can be prouder and make more of that pride."

I don't believe we make best use of our greatest cultural icon in promoting Scottish culture and tourism and I am determined to change that

Allan Wilson

Mr Wilson told the conference he had already received suggestions on how to create a wider celebration of Burns and Scotland at home and worldwide.

"It has been suggested that we should inaugurate a Burns Award which would be given for outstanding service to humanitarian causes," he will say.

"It would be an accolade of the highest distinction - its presentation would be a showcase for Scotland - and provide an opportunity not only to mark Burns but the wider contribution of Scotland to humanitarian causes throughout history.

"The award itself could stimulate the best of Scottish artists and craftsmen to design something fitting - a splendid opportunity to make a connection with modern work.

"Another possibility would be to commission work in less advantaged areas in Scotland that expresses or epitomises some aspect of Burns' work. Plays, paintings, photography, operas, writing, videos - the possibilities are endless."

He said a team was being assembled to develop such ideas adding: "I want the Burns Federation to play a keen role."