Specialist Burns Night Speaker, Senior Vice President of Greenock & Has Worked With Notable Companies Like Scottish Power & PriceWaterhouseCoopers

John McEvoy is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected Robert Burns speakers, reciters and Burns Supper hosts, renowned for bringing Scotland’s national bard to life through engaging storytelling, expert historical insight and captivating performance. A lifelong admirer of Burns, John is the Senior Vice President of the Greenock Burns Club, the world’s oldest Burns Club, established in 1801 on the same evening as the first Burns Supper in Alloway. Having performed at Burns events across the UK for many years, he is trusted by blue-chip corporations, professional organisations and community groups alike to deliver memorable, authentic and entertaining celebrations of Burns’ life, poetry and enduring legacy.

Raised in Glasgow, John went on to study at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned an Honours degree in Chemistry. He began his professional career in education as a teacher before moving into the pharmaceutical industry and later establishing himself as a wine importer. Alongside his professional career, he developed a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the work of Robert Burns. Over the years, this passion led him to become a longstanding member of the historic Greenock Burns Club, where he now serves as Senior Vice President. Beyond his Burns activities, John has played an important role within his local community in Houston, Renfrewshire, serving as Chairman of the Community Council and leading several successful improvement initiatives that enhanced local facilities and public spaces.

John has earned widespread recognition within Burns circles for his extensive knowledge of Scotland’s national poet and his ability to make Burns accessible to modern audiences. His performances combine scholarship, humour and theatrical flair, whether delivering an Immortal Memory, reciting Tam O’Shanter, performing Holy Willie’s Prayer or presenting selections from Burns’ most celebrated poems and songs. Through years of public speaking and recitation, he has built a reputation for helping audiences understand the social, political and cultural context in which Burns wrote, offering fresh perspectives on works that continue to resonate around the world.

A gifted communicator, John tailors every appearance to suit his audience and occasion. Whether dressed in authentic period costume, formal Highland attire or a more contemporary style, he creates an immersive experience that entertains and educates in equal measure. Away from the stage, he is an enthusiastic Munro bagger with more than 200 summits completed and has spent many years sailing Scotland’s west coast with his wife, Marion. His warmth, knowledge and passion for Scottish heritage make him a highly sought-after speaker and performer for Burns Suppers and cultural events of every scale.

Why Hire John McEvoy?

John McEvoy is hired as a speaker for his rare ability to combine historical expertise, engaging storytelling and accomplished performance into a truly memorable experience. Drawing on decades of involvement with Burns organisations and events, he brings Robert Burns and his world vividly to life for contemporary audiences. Whether delivering an Immortal Memory, performing iconic poems or explaining the historical significance behind Burns’ work, John captivates audiences with humour, insight and authenticity. His adaptable style, extensive repertoire and passion for making Burns accessible ensure events that are both entertaining and intellectually enriching.