THE HIGHLAND Rim Scottish Society (HRSS) celebrated Burns Night, a celebration of the famous Bard of Scotland, Robert “Rabbie” Burns, and all things Scottish. The annual festivities are a welcome excuse for a feast, music, dancing, and boasting about Scotland’s cultural contribution to the world.
The event was held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Tullahoma, with over 75 members in attendance.
“We had society member John Peden perform the Address to the Haggis,” said HRSS member Craig Watson, who also serves as the public relations coordinator for HRSS. “Tom Bentley and Roberta Adams did the Toast and Address to the Lassies. The Celtic Cup catered the entire event. Everyone enjoyed music [provided by] Jacobites by Name. They performed their own music, along with tunes from Rabbie Burns himself. At the end of the evening, they performed the Scottish version of ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ along with the English version. It was a great night to celebrate with everyone.”
Watson added that this was his first time attending and organizing the well-known event. Watson said he wanted to do the event the justice it deserved and looked to members of society for suggestions. He also researched the event extensively, ensuring all the details were right. At the end of the evening, Watson said the event was a success.
“Between the events, such as the silent auction, music, and dinner, it felt like everything flowed together and went smoothly. I feel our members were proud, and I was glad it turned out like it did,” he said.
Alongside St. Andrew’s Day in November, Burns Night is considered a national day in Scotland. Burns is widely celebrated as the most significant Scottish poet and one of the most renowned poets in history. He wrote his first poem at 16 and over 700 poems and songs throughout his life.
The first Burns Night was celebrated over 200 years ago when nine of Burns’ close friends gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. It took place at Burns Cottage in Alloway and included a meal of haggis and performances of Burns’ work. The celebration’s popularity has only grown over the years.
Burns, known familiarly as “Rabbie” in Scotland, was a pioneer of the Romantic Movement known for capturing the sound and soul of rural Scotland and Scottish history in the late 18th century. Burns was a champion of the Scots language when it was not popular in literary circles. Many of his works became famous, such as “Auld Lang Syne.” Burns Night, traditionally held on his birthday, January 25, is an unofficial national celebration in Scotland and is widely celebrated in parts of America and other former British colonies with many Scottish descendants.
The society will hold its next big event on Saturday, April 15. The annual festival will feature Celtic crafts, Highland pipers, and workshops. Live music and Scottish and Irish fare, such as fish and chips, bridies, scotch eggs, and turkey legs will be on hand. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, visit the society’s Facebook page at Highland Rim Scottish Society. GN
