The Club was founded in 1870 and is one of the oldest and most active with a national and international reputation. A shopkeeper invited three of his friends to a supper prepared by his wife in his backshop at 13 Main Street Bridgeton on 25 January 1870 to celebrate the Anniversary of the birth of the Bard. From this modest beginning the Club increased in numbers and by the turn of the Century there was over 300. At the latest count the roll has 900 plus members. The Anniversary Dinner on 25 January now has an attendance of almost 700 Members and their guests, with a waiting-list for tickets.

The Club originally had two other aims. The first was to promote the learning of the works of Robert Burns in song and verse. This was carried out by organising a Competition for the children of the schools in the East End of Glasgow. In year 2001 almost 600 children participated in the event on the first Friday in December at St. Mungo's Academy, Crown point Road, Glasgow. A number of trophies and prizes are awarded to the winning entrants, many of which are cherished in later life. A concert is held in February and the various winners perform on stage in front of an audience of about 1000.

The other object was, that when sufficient funds were available, children of the East End schools who wished to go to university or college to study Scottish Literature or music and were of needy circumstances could be awarded a Bursary to help them financially. This scheme never came to fruition until about 10 years ago The Bridgeton Burns Club Fund for the Arts was instituted as a Registered Charity. The scope has been enlarged to include drama and other Scottish interests. Quite a number of students have now been assisted and any eligible applicant is given a most sympathetic hearing.

Further information on the above and any other Club matter may be obtained from the
Honorary Secretary,
K.E.L.Brown Esq.,
C/o Greenhead Bridgeton Factors
23 McPhail Street
GLASGOW G40 1EL
Tel: 0141 556 2433
Fax 0141 554 1025

More information can be had at Bridgeton Burns Club's own web site.