The Search for Common Ground

Robert Burns - 'In Search of Common Ground'

Burns was ahead of his time in much of his thinking and his work has obviously made a great impact on the world stage. One of his best known songs is "A Man's a Man for a' That" written against the backdrop of a revolution of thought throughout Europe and the colonies. The signatories of the American Declaration of Independence would have been familiar with his views and any current dialogue on social inclusion would be enriched by his ideas.

Then let us pray that come it may,
As come it yet for a' that,
That sense and worth, o'er a' the earth,
May bear the gree, an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet, for a' that,
That man to man, the world o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that.

Within our dialogue, 'In Search of Common Ground' we will pose questions that will help us to explore contemporary issues in Scotland. These might include: