Bowling Dunbartonshire Burns Supper

[Jimmy]

We had a first class Burns Supper in the Railway Inn at the little village of Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde. Brilliantly organised and the food laid on by the owner was first class. For a number of people it was their first Burns Supper but they are sure to be first in the queue for next year's tickets. Great night.

[jrmiller]

Jimmy,
For those of us who have never been to a real Burns Supper, please tell us the details -- what transpires? What food and drink?

We have a nice little Scottish pub/restaurant here in which we held our own celebration, but we really didn't have much of a clue other than eating haggis (which was surprisingly good) and drinking.

thanks,

-johnm

[Jimmy]

Format for a Burns Supper is usually:-

Chairpersons Opening Address which includes welcome.

Address to the Haggis - the piper would lead in the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table. The chairman or invited guest would then recite 'To a Haggis'. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp night. It is customary to applaud when the speaker is finished the address and for the company to stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky.

The Immortal Memory - an invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns with relevance to the modern world.

Toast to the Lassies - A light hearted address to the women in the audience, humorous but not insulting.

Response - the lassies get a chance to put across their opinions on the male species with humour.

Songs and Poems - these are interspersed throughout the evening, culminating in Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme.

Menu - The Selkirk Grace recited

Cock-a Leekie soup

Haggis, neeps and tatties.( warm, reeking, rich wi' champit tatties and bashed neeps)

Crannachan - a traditional raspberry, toasted oatmeal and cream dessert.

Finally, plenty of whisky and thats your Burns Supper