Burns’ Night delight or time to bin the Bard?

Still celebrates Burns Night Isn’t a fan Cooking traditional meal Part of our culture Readers give their verdict on tradition

John Collins Thomas Paterson Morag Collins Allan Haining

Is your love for Rabbie Burns like a red, red rose, or is the January tradition more like an ode ‘ To a Louse’?

The Wishaw Press quizzed the town’s residents about their Burns’ Day traditions to find out how and if they and their families honoured Robert Burns last Thursday.

John Collins, 62, of Buchan Street, Coltness, is originally from Burns’ native Ayrshire.

“At the school I went to, the headmaster was very into Burns,” said John.

“It was a big thing back then, so we still mark it in some way today.”

Morag Collins, 58, of Coltness, cooked up a steaming plate of haggis, neeps and tatties on Burns’ night to share with husband John.

For 41- year- old Thomas Paterson, of Kirknethan, the tradition of honouring Rabbie left a bad taste in his mouth.

“It’s nothing that interests me,” said Thomas. “I don’t like poetry and I don’t like haggis – I think it’s horrid. Christmas and Easter are my thing. You can keep your Burns’ Night.”

Allan Haining,79, of Louden Street, Coltness, would have made more of an effort for his at-home Burns’ supper – but a new kitchen makeover meant his cooking facilities limited him to a microwave meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, washed down with a wee malt whisky.

“Burns’ Night has been celebrated for centuries. It plays a part in our culture for people young and old and I can’t see it stopping soon,” said Allan.