The Rabbie Burns Suite

YOU CAN’T HAVE A BURNS’ SUPPER WITHOUT A PIPER!!!

That’s my dad over on the right piping in the haggis in the eighties!!! That's Jordan, on the left one of my pupils, playing at his first Burn's supper 2007 The annual celebratory tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759 – 1796). Celebrated on or about the Bard’s birthday, 25th January each year. Every Burns’ Supper has its own special form and flavour depending on the Host and people present. With a little bit of planning, anyone can enjoy a Burns’ Night celebration. All that’s needed is a place to gather, a PIPER to pipe in the supper (haggis, neeps and tatties), a Master of Ceremonies, friendly celebrants and a good Scotch whisky to keep you warm.

That’s my dad over on the right piping in the haggis in the eighties!!!

That's Jordan, on the left one of my pupils, playing at his first Burn's supper 2007

The annual celebratory tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759 – 1796). Celebrated on or about the Bard’s birthday, 25th January each year.

Every Burns’ Supper has its own special form and flavour depending on the Host and people present. With a little bit of planning, anyone can enjoy a Burns’ Night celebration. All that’s needed is a place to gather, a PIPER to pipe in the supper (haggis, neeps and tatties), a Master of Ceremonies, friendly celebrants and
a good Scotch whisky to keep you warm.

	THE FORMAT OF A BURNS’ SUPPER Chairperson’s opening address and a few welcome words start the evening and the meal commences with the ‘Selkirk Grace’. All stand to receive the haggis. The PIPER leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow hand clap. The Chairman or invited guests then recite Burns’ famous poem ‘To A Haggis’ with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line ‘an cut you up wi’ ready slight’, he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife!!!!!. All present applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of Whisky. The company then dines to a typical Bill o’ Fare as follows: Cock-a-leekie Soup Haggis warm reeking, wi’ Champit Tatties Typsy Laird (sherry trifle) A Tassie o’ Coffee

THE FORMAT OF A BURNS’ SUPPER

Chairperson’s opening address and a few welcome words start the evening and the meal commences with the ‘Selkirk Grace’.
All stand to receive the haggis. The PIPER leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow hand clap.
The Chairman or invited guests then recite Burns’ famous poem ‘To A Haggis’ with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line ‘an cut you up wi’ ready slight’, he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife!!!!!.
All present applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of Whisky. The company then dines to a typical Bill o’ Fare as follows:

Cock-a-leekie Soup
Haggis warm reeking, wi’ Champit Tatties
Typsy Laird (sherry trifle)
A Tassie o’ Coffee

THE IMMORTAL MEMORY
An invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today. (The main speech).

TOAST TO THE LASSIES
Then there is a more light hearted witty address to the women in the audience. (Originally this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the lassies’ in Burns’ life.)

RESPONSE
The turn of the lassies to detail! in a humorous manner.

POEM AND SONGS
The evening continues with a full variety of Burns’ songs and poems. Favourites are ‘Tam O’Shanter’, ‘To a Mouse’ and ‘Holy Willie’s Prayer.

The supper ends with all standing, linking hands and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne. The PIPER can play again at this point to conclude the programme and the evening can continue with Scottish music and dancing in the form of a Ceilidh.!!!!

Hae a guid yin!!!!

Burns night in Hebrides Bar

V.I.P.Piper