Raising a glass to Rabbie Burns
Campbeltown Bowling Club paid tribute to Scotland’s national poet at a laugh-aminute Burns supper.
Last Friday night’s affair was kicked off by Susan Gilchrist, who piped the haggis, ably carried by Alistair Mackay, into the clubhouse.
The Selkirk Grace was spoken by Malcolm Bannatyne before a stage-worthy Address to the Haggis was delivered by James McCorkindale. James is clearly proficient at more than just Highland dancing, as he performed the entire rousing rendition of To a Haggis without a single note!
The mantle was then handed to birthday boy Neil McLellan, who delivered the Immortal Memory, reflecting on Rabbie Burns’s life. Neil delighted the audience by sharing some recent local stories as well as those about the bard.
This was followed by the Address to the Haggis, after which diners tucked into a two-course meal of soup followed by a choice of haggis, neeps and tatties, or steak pie.
The humour was ramped up a gear after dinner when Gavin McLachlan began the Toast to the Lassies.
He shared stories – some more compromising than others – about former lady club presidents, and reflected on some of Burns’s own experiences.
Alastair Gillies began the night’s musical offerings by performing Ae Fond Kiss and A Man’s A Man For A’ That.
Afterwards, it was Fiona Hendrie’s turn in the spotlight as she gave the Reply from the Lassies, during which she produced gifts for all men at the top table, and performed her very own poem written about the club.
Mhairi Renton continued the music by singing two more songs, Comin’ Thro’ the Rye and The Braes o’ Killiecrankie.
Club president Bobby Dalziel, who kept things running smoothly the entire evening, praised everyone for taking the jokes in good humour and thanked those at the top table who contributed to the entertainment, as well as Susan for piping, those who helped with and served the meal, and the bar staff.
Mid Argyll-based band Treble Trouble got set up as the tables were cleared from the dance floor, and their range of classic pop, rock, country and folk music kept people dancing all night.