Robbie Burns

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, Robden of Solway Firth, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard) was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide.

Burns Night, effectively a second national day, is celebrated on 25 January with Burns suppers around the world, and is still more widely observed than the official national day, St. Andrew's Day. The first Burns supper in The Mother Club in Greenock (Paul's hometown!) was held on what they thought was his birthday on 29 January 1802, but in 1803 they discovered from the Ayr parish records that the correct date was 25 January 1759. The format of Burns suppers has not changed since. The basic format starts with a general welcome and announcements, followed with the Selkirk Grace. After the grace, comes the piping and cutting of the haggis, where Burns' famous Address To a Haggis is read and the haggis is cut open. The event usually allows for people to start eating just after the haggis is presented. This is when the reading called the "immortal memory", an overview of Burns' life and work, is given; the event usually concludes with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

We'll be attending the "113th Annual Son's of Scotland Robert Burns Dinner" on January 28th. Regina has a Scottish Society, thankfully, so we're happy to be able to get in touch with them and start attending their functions. The events are more for Paul, really, but I do get a kick out of them. I want him to be able to share stories with fellow Scots, and people that have something in common with him from his past. I take part because these people are quite interesting and really know how to have a good time.

The Bushwakker Brewpub is also having a Burns night on the 21st, so we may attend that as well. It will be more lively with a younger crowd, so it could be a fun time.

Interestingly, Paul doesn't like haggis. Not even a bit. I haven't actually eaten it, sorry to say. Maybe it's time, at this Burns supper, to take a wee bite. It can't be that bad... can it?

Either way, I'm thankful for the opportunities when both Paul and I are be able to take part in Scottish traditions. It makes his "home" feel much closer! We're looking forward to the next events also, like the Highland Games and Mosaic (similar to Brandon's Winter Festival) in May.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!

and gie's a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,

for auld lang syne.

***For all you non-Scots out there, you can still attend a Burns supper if you wish! They are quite fun!