Cup of kindness

Pictured is the piper during his warm up (hence not wearing his Glengarry cap) before piping in the haggis at tonight's Burns supper at the Arbroath masonic lodge. As well as the traditional address to the haggis, the evening programme included a magnificent recitation of Burns narrative poem 'Tam o'Shanter' (1790) and whilst I understood little of the dialect, there was no mistaking the overall meaning in such a powerful performance. Several of Burns' songs were sweetly sung and the traditional 'Immortal Memory' key speaker was both entertaining and poignant. All this plus a haggis dinner (tasty vegetarian one for me), copious drams for the many Toasts, and finally, Auld Lang Syne was sung by everyone to close the official programme. There then followed a couple of hours dancing. Thus was my first Burns Night in Bonny Scotland. 

Many thanks to John and Janice for the invitation to join them at the Masonic Hall, Lodge St. Thomas of Aberbrothock N° 40. A cup of kindness that shared a memorable evening, for Auld Lang Syne.