Sold-out crowd enjoys delicious meal, superb entertainment at Robbie Burns Night

It was a terrific evening of food and entertainment for the sold-out crowd at the 23rd annual Robbie Burns Night, held Saturday evening at the Kincardine Legion.

Hosted by the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, the event drew quite a few people dressed in their clan tartan, and many others who wished they had a clan, and a tartan, and a Scottish heritage.

Piper Jennifer Farrell gave the Piper's Welcome, joined by her son, Brock, of Toronto, on the drums, followed by the Piping of the Haggis by piper Dave Wilson, with Leon Wilson carrying the haggis, and Scott Duncan giving a magnificent and dramatic Address to the Haggis.



Scott Duncan gives a dramatic Address to the Haggis, Saturday evening, at Robbie Burns Night in Kincardine

Cathy Milne offered the Selkirk Grace, and the crowd enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner, complete with haggis.

Walter Hogg gave the Immortal Memory of Robbie Burns, the people's bard and poet's poet. Born Jan. 25, 1759, Burns experienced many exciting times, including the American and French Revolutions, as well as the industrial revolution. He died suddenly at the age of 37.

"He saw many great advances in science and medicine," said Hogg, "but he never had the vote and he never went to university. However, he has influenced many modern artists, and 220 years after his death, we continue to celebrate his life. So perhaps that makes him immortal."

Andy Fraser offered a Toast to the Lassies, with a delightful poem he wrote himself. He added that Burns was a great romantic and had relationships with numerous women, fathering about a dozen children by at least four women.

Rev. Kathy Fraser gave the Reply from the Lassies and offered a Toast to the Laddies, in her original song, "The Bonnie Banks of Affection," to the tune of "Loch Lomond."

The Kincardine Scottish then performed six songs and urged the crowd to Name That Tune after one particular song.

Leslie Ray sang, accompanied by Jennifer Farrell on the pipes, and then Nicole and Nick Reid performed on guitar and shuttle pipes, respectively.

Bruce Power won the Name That Tune contest, and the evening wrapped up with another set of tunes by the Kincardine Scottish.

This set featured one song by the Mini-Band, consisting of newest members to more senior members with a few extra members to help out: Nathan Smith, Andy Smith, Jessica Bale, Caden O'Brien, Aaron Urie, Brandon Fitzgerald, John Everingham, Keith Davidson and Claude Roach.



The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band performs at Robbie Burns Night, Saturday evening at the Kincardine Legion