Raise a dram to oor Rabbie

Carrick Burns Club raised a dram to the national Bard with their annual Burns Supper at Turnberry Hotel.

It marked the club’s 129th year of celebrating all things Robert Burns, and 132 guests enjoyed meeting together once again to enjoy a meal and a good blether.

The evening was admirably chaired by Girvan native Shona McIntyre, who introdued 10-year-old Sacred Heart Primary pupil Shiloh Simpson, who awed the audience with her recital of ‘To a Louse’.

The Chair then thanked Shalane Breen, event coordinator at Turnberry Hotel, chef Duncan, and all the staff who served a delicious meal.

The haggis was piped in by the secretary Allan Brown and, in his usual inimitable style, Denis Reid provided an entertaining and animated address.

Musical entertainment was provided by professional organist Stephen Bradley, who played a wonderful version of ‘I’ll ay ca’ in by yon town” and “Ay wakin’ o”, and Stuart McKinlay recited “The Tale of Tam o’ Shanter”.

John Geates proposed the toast to the ‘The Immortal Memory’ while ‘The Toast to the Lassies’ was presented by Iain Gordon.

Yvonne Templeton, Head Teacher at Ballantrae and Colmonell Primary schools, proposed the ‘Reply to the Lassies’.

And the final speech of the evening, ‘My Scotland’, was provided by Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council.

The evening was brought to a close in the usual worldwide recognised fashion by a rousing version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Some hae meat Former CBC secretary Denis Reid addresses the haggis

Honest men and bonny lasses Allan Brown piped the top table in

At the top Carrick Burns Club’s top table, including South Ayrshire Council Leader Peter Henderson

On the mic Shona Mcintyre, who has attended the supper for the last 40 years, chaired the evening

Excellent Shiloh Simpson received a Certificate of Exellence from Carrick Burns Club

Tae a haggis Guests applaud as the haggis is piped in in front of the top table

In action Shiloh wowing the audience with‘To a Louse’