SCOTLAND'S National Bard Robert Burns became the face of Glasgow City Chambers as Homecoming Scotland celebrations were showcased in the city's George Square.

SCOTLAND'S National Bard Robert Burns became the face of Glasgow City Chambers as Homecoming Scotland celebrations were showcased in the city's George Square.

The public were last night given a sneak preview of the dramatic lighting programme by London-based artist Ross Ashton.

The 15-minute projection of moving images will be shown with accompanying music and a narrative soundtrack on the outside of the City Chambers between 5.30pm and 9pm today and tomorrow.

The projection will also be shown from 6pm on Sunday when a host of performers, including the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, former Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus and country dancers will entertain onlookers.

Hosted by comedian Andy Cameron, the colourful light show will also feature pieces from Glasgow's Mitchell Library's Burns collection, one of the biggest in the world.

The illuminations will also transform the building's facade into a bed of roses as the celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the poet's birth get under way.

Ross, whose family are from Ayrshire, said: "Working on this event and reading the words of Robert Burns has been a moving experience.

"My mother is from Ayr and would often quote Burns to us ... it has been interesting to discover the man behind the words.

"I am honoured that I have been given the opportunity to tell the story of Scotland's most influential poet."