A SCOTS language expert will join forces with an award-winning traditional singer to present the works of Robert Burns in Cove this week.

Billy Kay has taken the Scots tongue in all its guises all over the globe. The author of The Mither Tongue has become a mobile advert for his homeland.

An Ayshire man himself, he’s got a wide ranging knowledge of the life and times of Robert Burns, and why our national bard is so popular with fans from Moscow to New York.

Last January he teamed up with award winning traditional singer Robyn Stapleton for an event at Celtic Connections built around his book, The Scottish World.

This coming Friday, January 20, he and Robyn have come together again to give a special performance for Cove Burgh Hall’s Rabbie Burns tribute night.

Robyn is an award-winning singer and song leader who shares her talent and passion for traditional music with audiences and communities throughout Scotland and internationally.

Chosen as BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2014, she quickly became one of Scotland’s most sought-after folk singers, and has performed with many prestigious ensembles, including the RSNO, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble.

As well as kenspeckle sangs, music and verse, the audience will enjoy a complimentary glass of claret and Scottish cheeses.

Billy’s book, Knee Deep in Claret, explains how Scotland was once a very major importer of Bordeaux wines and why they became known as “the bloodstream of the auld alliance!”

A copy of the book, and some fine whisky, are among the evening’s raffle prizes.

Admission is £15. Book your tickets for what promises to be a hugely memorable evening of entertainment online here.