Burns Night, Edinburgh 2010

Lothian and Borders Branch of the IPA held their second Burns Supper celebrating the work and life of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns, on Saturday 23rd January 2010 at 28 York Place (The Police Club) in Edinburgh. The event was once more a sell out and those that were lucky enough to secure tickets enjoyed a fantastic night with great food, great entertainment and a dram or six.

The haggis was piped in by Grant Rolland, who also entertained the guests with a set of pipe tunes after the wonderful meal of traditional haggis, neeps and tatties. The Address to the Haggis was expertly recited by Peter McCulloch,

 

"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, 
Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! 
Aboon
 them a' yet tak your place, 
Painch, tripe, or thairm: 
Weel are ye wordy
 o'a grace 
As lang's my arm.

 

Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care, 
And dish them out their 
bill o'
 fare, 
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
 
That jaups in luggies; 
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer 
Gie her a haggis!"

 

and once again the evenings entertainment was provided by the superb "Soopna" (Peter McCulloch, Norman Gore and Kenny McDonald), with some witty repartee and a wonderful rendition of Holy Willie's Prayer and after the meal some rousing Scottish Folk Songs to finish a wonderful, if all too quick, evening.

 

But, Lord, remember me an' mine 
Wi' mercies temp'ral an' divine, 
That I for grace 
an' gear may shine, 
Excell'd 
by nane, 
And 
a' the glory shall be thine, 
Amen, Amen!

Thanks to Alister McDermott for once again arranging the event and here's hoping for the same success next year?

Holy Willie" saying his prayer