Tomorrow,Thursday, 25th January 2007 is Burns Day which sees 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, January 25th, Burns Suppers range from stentoriously formal gatherings of aesthetes and scholars to uproariously informal rave-ups of drunkards and louts. Most Burns Suppers fall in the middle of this range, and adhere, more or less, to some sort of time honoured form which includes the eating of a traditional Scottish meal, the drinking of Scotch whisky, and the recitation of works by, about, and in the spirit of the Bard.  

There will be various Burns Supper around Kintyre but here are ones we have been made aware of; 

·         Thursday 25th January 2007 – What better way to celebrate Burns Day than popping into Eaglesomes in Reform Square and taking advantage of their one day special celebrating the Scottish poet.  For £2.50 you can carry out your own meal of Haggis, Tatties and Neeps in a gravy sauce!  Believe me – it is wonderful! 

 ·         Saturday 27th January 2007 - Newly re-formed Kintyre Rugby Club are holding a Burns Supper at the Mussel Ebb Bistro, Aqualibrium at 6.45pm with the meal and speeches beginning at 7pm.  Afterwards your ticket will allow entry to the Rugby Lounge at the Kilbrannan Bar for Scottish music and drinks.  Tickets are £15 each and are on sale from the Kilbrannan Bar and AP Taylors in Main Street.

 ·         Saturday 27th January 2007 – Visit Muneroy Tearoom in Southend and enjoy Burns lunch served 12 - 4pm , sample tradition scottish fayre with a free dram with every haggis.

 

Robert Burns is Scotland's best-loved bard and Burns Suppers have been held in his honour for over 200 years. 

Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer, and Agnes Broun, Robert Burns was the eldest of seven. He spent his youth working his father's farm, but in spite of his poverty he was extremely well read - at the insistence of his father, who employed a tutor for Robert and younger brother Gilbert. At 15 Robert was the principal worker on the farm and this prompted him to start writing in an attempt to find "some kind of counterpoise for his circumstances." It was at this tender age that Burns penned his first verse, "My Handsome Nell", which was an ode to the other subjects that dominated his life, namely scotch and women.

Every Burns Supper has its own special form and flavour, though there are probably more similarities than differences among these gastro-literary affairs. Individual tastes and talents will determine the character of your Burns Supper. Some celebrants may contribute the composition of original songs or poems; some may excel at giving toasts or reciting verse; while others may be captivating storytellers. A particular group of celebrants will, over time, develop a unique group character, which will distinguish their Burns Supper celebration from every other.

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