The capital of Burns Suppers
But Rabbie has a costly legacy
Night = music and dancing after the meal.
I can recall one of my favourite nights was the Cronies Burns Supper at Ayr’s Chestnuts Hotel.
Owner Mrs Corine Bender was cordially invited to welcome the guests... then cordially invited to leave her own dining room!
Chauvinistic? Yes. Outdated? Maybe. Traditional? As traditional as it gets.
I’m not saying all Burns Suppers should be all male – I’m saying that the few remaining should be left alone to honour conventions that are centuries old.
And talking of ‘ centuries old’ – here’s something that isn’t... but might be one day!
Congratulations to South Ayrshire Council and their events team for coming up with “Burns Alicht” – an exciting new feature on the local Burns calendar.
The idea of an informative lantern trail from Burns Cottage, through Alloway Auld Kirk Graveyard, across the Brig 0’ Doon and finishing at Burns Museum ticks all the boxes of being exciting, educational, entertaining – and unique.
The finale burning of “John Barleycorn” might be a touch of Guy Fawkes meets The Wicker Man - but who cares?
And priced at a modest £ 7.50 – there should be enough cash left for a haggis supper on the way home!
But whatever you’re doing this Burns Week – the most important thing is to at least do something.
Even if it’s just taking a haggis home from Pollock Williamson!
Have your own little Burns Supper at home with your loved ones.
Not even Turnberry can trump that!