A Burn’s Celebration

On a cold and windy Saturday night the Congregational Board hosted an evening of good traditional food and entertainment to celebrate our national bard, Robert Burns. The warmth of the fellowship contrasted strongly with the unpleasant weather conditions outside the Village Hall.

The Haggis was confidently and ably piped in by young Bethany Ginelly and stately borne aloft by Robert Bishop. In fine form David Wishart gave the address and the toast to the Haggis.

The Selkirk grace was given by Sally Findlay. After some tasty lentil soup, Haggis, champit tatties and bashed neeps were all excellent. An astonishing range of Scottish puddings were followed, by biscuits and cheese with coffee. The service was very polished and efficient

After the toast to the Immortal Memory, there followed a feast of local talent. Firstly Nicola gave us some Burns songs including O my Love is like a red red rose, and finished with an arrangement of Hugh MacDiarmid’s The little White Rose. These two songs were sung so beautifully, poignantly and with such lyricism that the audience were spellbound.

Tam O’Shanter was recited by Jean Wilson, word perfectly in a hushed, darkened room lit only by three candles and brilliantly atmospheric; a flawless performance.

The Singing Hinnies gave us two versions of Jo Anderson my Jo firstly traditionally sung , then a recited modern witty version, clever and very funny.

The Kirk Louns then gave a rousing rendition of The Exciseman. What they lacked in finesse was amply made up for with barely controlled enthusiasm. Eileen Brown was luckily on hand at the keyboard to maintain order and prevent the Deil running away with the Kirk Louns as well as well as the exciseman.The vote of thanks was given by Mary Burney

After the Raffle , Auld Lang Syne  was sung by all, bringing a most successful evening to a fitting close.

clockwise from the top

 David addressing the Haggis

Three Hinnies

Nicola

Kirk Louns

 Vote of thanks by Mary