Burns Night among proposed entries to UK cultural heritage register

Traditions such as Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing could be included in a new register of cultural heritage in the UK.

The UK Government has said it intends to ratify the 2003 Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Culture minister Lord Parkinson said Westminster hopes to “celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the UK” and support the people who practise them.

Under the new proposals, Scottish holidays and traditions, among others across the UK, could be recognised under the new proposals.

Artisanal crafts such as basket-weaving, thatching and the arts of creating tartan and tweed, as well as the practitioners of these traditions, are also to be considered.

A public consultation on the Government’s proposed approach to implementing the Convention across the UK launched today.

Scotland Office minister John Lamont said: “Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing are Scottish traditions celebrated across the world and now we will be able to give them recognition alongside those from around the UK as part of this international convention.

“I encourage communities across the country to nominate their local traditions that will be ratified and help to preserve them for generations to come.”