The artist interpreted the head of the poet, drawing from the famous Nasmyth portrait and the Skirving chalk drawing, with possibly a leaning to the latter. In the lower part of the plate he has reproduced the Burgess Ticket. On the one side a facsimile of the manuscript and on the reverse side the Coat of Arms of the Royal Burgh of Dumbarton.

            In the distant background are shown on the poet’s right, the Auld Brig o’ Ayr and on his left, Dumbarton Rock, thus symbolising his association with the two ancient towns.

            Since 1927 the etching has been the frontispiece of Dumbarton Burns Club’s annual supper programme.

At a Committee Meeting on 23rd May 1957, members were asked to subscribe for a President’s Badge and Chain of Office. A design was prepared by Mr. A. Munro Neville, Art Master at Dumbarton Academy. President George Harvey was the first president to be invested with the chain and it has been in use ever since. The name of each successive President is engraved on the link