Burns Supper at Kilgraston on Wednesday 23 January 2019
Piped in by pupil Flora F, the haggis’ arrival was welcomed with loud applause and enthusiastic foot-stamping at Kilgraston’s annual Burns Supper.
This much-anticipated annual event, with the required ‘touch of tartan’ manifesting itself in everything from plaid ‘trews’ to multi-coloured hair ribbons, is a Spring Term favourite with senior girls and staff at the school.
Joint Deputy Head Girls, Mia H and Maria M, kicked-off proceedings with Burns’ Selkirk Grace, hailed from the poet’s visit to the seat of the Earl of Selkirk when he was asked to offer a prayer before the meal.
Chaplain, Mr Allaker’s self-depreciating ‘Toast to the Lasses’ sparked hilarity among his flock, with Head Girl, Cleodie L, giving a spirited riposte, imagining the consequences of the Bard having access to twenty first century social media – “He’s out with who tonight?!”.
Cock-a-Leekie soup, Haggis, ‘neeps’ and ‘tatties’ and Catering Manager Dougie Macdonald’s signature ‘Celtic Cranachan’ – a delicious combination of raspberries, cream and oatmeal – was all washed down with a perfect rendition of Burns’ Immortal Memory by Mrs MacGinty and Mr Campbell’s ‘A-list’ performance of ‘Address to a Haggis’.
Mrs Blue’s troupe of talented Fiddlers offered a rousing performance of three spirit-lifting Scottish tunes, while pupil Tabitha K delivered the moving solo, ‘Ae Fond Kiss’.
The traditional Vote of Thanks was offered by Mrs McFadden but really, the vote of thanks should have been offered to her for organising such a wonderful evening.
Hands were clasped for Auld Lang Syne and smiles on faces from around the world demonstrated the pleasure gained from this traditional evening.
We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Indeed.
Mairi Fraser
