Ballywillan Community and Cultural Group hold successful Burns NightGreat Scot!

As the visitors were being seated, they were provided by a warming glass of non-alcoholic punch, very welcome on a dry but very cold evening.

Chairman of Ballywillan Community and Cultural Group, Hopkin Stewart gave a warm welcome to the many guests who were attending and introduced the top table.

After the chairman and the gathered audience had recited what is known as the “Selkirk Grace” (Some hae meat an canna eat etc), the haggis was carried in by Rae Campbell led by piper Mark Adair in full Scottish dress.

Alana Boreland carried the traditional toasts for the piper, chef and chairman. The address to the Haggis was then delivered in true Scottish style by Jimmy McKeegan followed by a toast to the Haggis.

A most appetising meal of bashed tatties, neeps and the traditional haggis was then served to all by the ladies of Ballywillan. Mark Adair and Cathy Callaghan played a varied selection pipe tunes before the next address and toast to “The immortal memory of Robert Burns” which was delivered by William Adams.

He went on to give an insight of Burns during his short lifetime of just 38 years as Robert Burns died in Dumfries hospital on July 21st 1796.

Next Samuel B. Kane proposed a toast to the ladies and Rae Campbell.

Diana Culbertson, accompanied by Blazin’ Bellows, sang a variety of Burns songs.

A short social hour then followed with the very popular local group “Blazin’ Bellows” namely Russell John and Sam playing some appropriate Scottish dance music. The evening was brought to a close with the joining of hands and singing of one of the best songs written by Burns, Auld Lang Syne.