BURNS brought some welcome relief from the ongoing Brexit talks to Downing Street last week.

And amongst the guests of honour at the Prime Minister's Burns Supper was local MP David Mundell and his MSP son Oliver.

While the national bard was being toasted throughout the world last week, along the road from Westminster, Theresa May was raising her own glass.

She told guests: “The work of Robert Burns, one of our finest poets, continues to be enjoyed by millions of people and tonight is not only a celebration of him, but the proud culture of the whole of Scotland."

As well as David and Oliver Mundell, also in attendance were Borders MP John Lamont and former Scotland rugby star Doddie Weir.

Mr Mundell senior believes Burns night came as a welcome distraction from the ongoing politics surrounding Brexit.

The Tweeddale MP said: "During such an eventful and significant time in our national life, my annual sojourn into the Bard's work has proved a welcome, if brief, break from Brexit and other constituency and ministerial duties.

"Having participated in Burns Suppers for much of my life I enjoy revisiting his work and always marvel that, despite the progress of time, many of his words seem as meaningful today as in his own period

"Burns' all too short life must be one of the most analysed in the world and his comments, writings and life experiences have led to politicians of almost all colours and causes to, at times, suggest he shared their perspective.

"I think his insightful views on life were a great strength appreciated by people of many different viewpoints, even today.

"This is a true strength of his work and whatever the arguments he was above all a true Scot and an internationalist."