A STORYTELLER is joining forces with a musician to offer a look at some of the works of one of Scotland’s most famous writers.

Robert Burns’ familiar and lesser-known works will be highlighted in a presentation designed to enthral both Burns devotees and newcomers alike.

Bob Mitchell is joining forces with “wonderful musician, songstress and storyteller” Anne Hunter for five performances during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The performances at the Scottish Storytelling Centre get under way on Saturday, with further performances on Tuesday, and next Thursday, Friday and Saturday (August 8-10).

Mr Mitchell, who has lived in Haddington for more than 50 years, said: “It is called Robert Burns: A Celebration because I have been very much involved in the Burns scene for a very long time.

“It features myself and an instrumentalist and singer, Anne Hunter, which is not my forte.

“It is a lively celebration of recitations, stories, anecdotes, music and song.

“We have it all in there and it follows on from a birthday performance in January, which was very successful.

“We have added to it and fine-tuned it.”

Mr Mitchell, 77, said that the show was designed to be accessible for those who loved Scotland’s Bard and those who were unfamiliar with his work.

He stressed that it was not “dry” and said: “You’ve got to think about that.

“Some people had bad experiences of poetry at school and don’t want to go near an old man reciting poetry!”

Each year, the Fringe attracts thousands of people to the city during August.

Mr Mitchell, who was previously chairman of Haddington Day Centre, told the Courier that he felt “very lucky” to have the annual celebration nearby.

Last month marked 227 years since Burns died.

Mr Mitchell, who lives on Haddington’s Burnside, said: “His memory lives on and it flourishes – his memory truly is immortal.

“I just think – and this is not the main reason – but I do think you could say he was a flawed genius. We in Scotland, for a lot of people, the idea of a flawed genius seems to appeal to a lot of folk.

“Certainly, people can empathise with him and, of course, he had this great ability to react with and to everybody across the spectrum.

“He could communicate with lords and ladies but also communicate with the humblest of servants.

“He had this great ability to appeal to all and I think that continues in his work and is certainly how I present his work.”