Twa dogs leave paw prints on night out with the Bard

Fiona’s in her element as she joins the Burns supper celebration at a club that has kept the flame of tradition alive for two centuries

F or the past week the haggis has been heaped high. And, for those who drink it, it has been a case of whisky galore. Yes, it is that time of year. We have been celebrating the birth of the Bard and I am among those queueing up to lay a wreath at Robert Burns’ final resting place in a Dumfries kirkyard.

At another august gathering, we are celebrating 200 years of the founding of a fan club.

The Dumfries Burns Club was formed in 1820. It was inaugurated in the burgh that was the poet’s home in his latter years.

In those days, the committee included a banker, a newspaper editor, a merchant and a surgeon.

Today an author and a builder are among those keeping custom going.

And what a tradition it is! This is an organisation that in two centuries has never missed a dinner.

Well, when I say never, I mean nearly never. The Dumfries Burns’ Club supper had to be cancelled in 1849 – because of cholera.

It did not take place in 1879 – due to the “general distress and depression prevalent in the Country”.

The event was cancelled when Queen Victoria died in 1901.

And there were no dinners at all during the First World War.

Anyhow, I say a few words at the event. But the big hitters include the President of the Robert Burns World Federation, a former Secretary of State for Scotland – and a past leader of the Scottish Conservative Party.

They are in good company. Over the past few days folk will have been donning their tartan and their chains of office. They will have been addressing the haggis and proposing the Immortal Memory.

Because a Burns Night can inspire the soul. It can make you think of higher things. And reflect on the nature of man – and woman.

Yet a Burns night can also be a risqué occasion. Especially when you are dealing with the Toast To and the Reply From the Lassies. This year I learn that a Fancy Piece in Aberdeen is a prettily decorated cake – while the same thing in Glasgow is something you don’t tell your wife about.

Back at home, I return late to find a bed covered in dirty paw prints. Somehow, one of the Macnaughties, unwatched, has managed to get up there during the day. They have

I learn a Fancy Piece in Aberdeen is a prettily decorated cake – while the same thing in Glasgow is something you don’t tell your wife about.

stretched luxuriously out on the duvet – and not bothered to wipe their feet.

I am cross. Then, let’s face it, terriers and cocker spaniels are on a list of ten dogs most likely to misbehave.

Also appearing in the hall of shame is the labrador. Especially when there’s food involved.

I am sure Robert Burns would see the funny side. And he might even have written a poem about dogs.

Then he did. One involving a Collie...

Fiona addresses the audience as the Dumfries Burns Club meets for its annual supper.