Guests join Scots at Burns Night events
TRADITIONAL Burns Night celebrations were held around the TRNC over the weekend as Scots were joined by people from a host of other countries in marking the life and poetry of Robert Burns.
The Cyprus Caledonian Society had its annual Burns Night Supper at Alsancak’s Denizkızı hotel on Saturday with traditional Scottish music, food, drink and recitations that were enjoyed by more than 80 members and guests from Scotland, England, the TRNC, Turkey, Ireland, Wales, Czech Republic, South Cyprus and America.
Chieftain Scott Kennedy led toasts to Queen Elizabeth, TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı and absent friends before an Address to the Haggis oration and a fivecourse meal which was accompanied by live entertainment from Scottish musician Graeme MacKay and his band.
Female band member Sandra MacBeth drew particular praise for playing the bagpipes in a solo performance to welcome arrivals for the supper while the youngest of those present, Emily Jane Fleeting, 11, and Jack Fleeting, 8, also earned applause for reciting Robert Burns poetry.
Caledonian Society spokesman Leeann Kennedy said: “Since 2006, the society has organised an annual Burns Night and supper with people in Cyprus who come from countries around the world.
“We all have great fun with lots of high-spirited and energetic dancing.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Karşıyaka’s Montenegro’C Sports Bar and Restaurant also celebrated Burns Night, with The Travelling Scots band providing traditional musical entertainment as some 60 people tucked into Scottish fare including haggis.
Venue owner İrmi Karadağ said: “We will continue to organise this event on an annual basis as it attracted great interest and an increased number of people compared to last year.
“We all had a great time with much music and dancing.”