GLASGOW is planning a spectacular lightshow to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.

The stunning display will be screened on the front of the City Chambers in George Square, following on from the success of a lightshow at Glasgow Cathedral.

The new show will be the work of projection artist Ross Ashton who was responsible for the dramatic lightshow on Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

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He also designed a breathtaking display on Edinburgh Castle for the Military Tattoo.

The £60,000 show, which will depict the life and times of Scotland's national poet, will light up the City Chambers from January 23 and will end on Burns birthday on January 25.

It will run from around 5.30pm until 9pm.

It is part of Homecoming Scotland 2009 which celebrates Robert Burns' birth with a year-long programme of events across the country.

Glasgow houses one of the biggest Burns' collections in the world which is kept in the Mitchell Library.

The star of the collection is the original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne.

Mr Ashton will use some of the pieces in the collection as inspiration for his projection.

While it is screened, a host of activities will be held in George Square including a pipe band, performers, a lone piper and a children's choir.

The children will lay red roses at the Burns statue in George Square in memory of his birthday and his classic love poem My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose.

There will also be readings of several of Burns' work including The Immortal Memory and Holy Willie's Prayer.

Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart, leader of the city's lighting strategy, came up with the idea.

He said: "This will be a truly unique event that stands out among the many fantastic Homecoming performances that will take place in Scotland next year.

"Glasgow has hosted several successful lighting and projection displays over the past few years and this is sure to be one of the most distinctive.

"This is a great chance for the many lovers of the work of Robert Burns to come along and enjoy what will be a memorable and popular celebration of Scotland's greatest poet."

Mr Stewart said he hoped not only visitors to the city but families would enjoy the three-day event he believes will attract many thousands of people.

He added: "We want the people of the city to recognise what Robert Burns has done for Scotland over the years.

"This will be Glasgow's way of saying a big thanks to Burns."

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said the event would also "show the City Chambers to be the world landmark it is".

He added: "The event will not only attract tourists but will attract enormous media attention.

"When Glasgow Cathedral was lit up, the images appeared in the press around the world.

"People are more likely to visit a destination if they can read about it and see how attractive it is.

"Lighting up the City Chambers will continue to challenge a perception of the city that no longer exists."

Mr Taylor described the work done by the lighting artist as "outstanding."

He added: "What will be done in George Square will take Robert Burns into the 21st century.

"It will be simply breathtaking."