Burns Supper and Ceilidh

Traditionally a Burns Supper would be celebrated on the anniversary of the Bard's birth, 25th January 1759. The official Burns site warns one should 'Be prepared to enjoy yourself beyond all expectation', and I have to say I did tonight!

In the hall there were 10 tables with 8 guests to a table. We all stood and recited the Selkirk Grace:

Some hae meat and canna eat
Some hae nane that want it
But we hae meat
And we can eat
Sae let the Lord be thank it

then clapped to the beat as the piper in full traditional scottish dress led the chef carrying the haggis into the hall and up to where our lady Chairman waited to address the haggis. (You can find the words on the Burns' site - follow this link )

The event was hosted by a local church. I went along with one of my neighbours and a couple of friends. Nary a man amongst us, but we didn't let that hold us back when it came to joining in the Scottish country dancing, adding much confusion and consequent fun and merriment! "I had four sex changes in that dance" Barbara giggled as we reclaimed our seats after one particularly energetic reel.

The evening began fairly early - 6.30 - and ended at 10 pm after a full and enjoyable programme of entertainment. The meal consisted of the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties (haggis, mashed swede and mashed potato) followed by trifle and shortbread. There was a small jug of whisky on every table. Hector Gilchrist gave a little talk about Robert Burns' life, singing some of the songs the Bard composed and accompanying himself on the guitar. We sang along to some traditional Scottish ballads - Mairi's Wedding, the Skye Boat Song and Westering Home amongst them. Altogether much fun and frivolity.