Irvings restore Robert Burns statue

The Irving family is donating money to restore the Robert Burns statue on its traditional resting place in downtown Fredericton near the St. John River.

The city took the statue down for refurbishment more than three years ago, but recently council said it couldn't afford the $80,000 needed for a flood-proof base.

That original decision by Fredericton's city council didn't sit well with New Brunswick's Scottish community.

But on Monday night that frustration subsided.

Bagpipes and applause filled Fredericton's city council chambers after Mayor Brad Woodside announced the Burns statue would be coming back to downtown Fredericton.

"This has all come together very nicely and has turned out to be, in my estimation, a real win-win situation," Woodside said.

Danny Taylor, the past president with the New Brunswick Scottish Cultural Association, said the return of the Burns statue means Robbie Burns Day on Jan. 25 will be a memorable one.

"Every year, Robbie Burns is always a big celebration, but this year I think here in the province we have something really special to celebrate," Taylor said.