The introduction of the World John Lapraik Speaking Competition was announced by John Haining, President of the Robert Burns Worldwide Federation, during a visit to Muirkirk Primary School on Burns Day 2008. Also present at this event were Angus Middleton, President of the Ayrshire Feberation of Burns Clubs, Councillor Jim Roberts, Billy Sharp, Vice-President of Mauchline Burns Club and Douglas McKenzie of the New Cumnock Burns Club.
Competitors are required to recite Robert Burns’‘ Epistle to J. Lapraik’ in front of a panel of judges. The winnder receives an exclusive trophy
and the honour of being dubbed the ‘World Champion’ Epistle to Lapraik Speaker for that year.
Associated with the introduction of the World John Lapraik Sreaking Competition, Muirkirk Primary School was asked to pilot a Young Peoples Speaking Competition to run alongside the adult event.
These competitions now form part of the annual Muirkirk Lapraik Festival weekend which also includes the annual John Lapraik Memorial Reading in the kirkyard of Muirkirk Parish Church.
The Muirkirk Lapraik Festival 2014 will take place on Friday 30th May and Saturday 31st May.
