Haven and haggis
Blantyre charity hosts its first ever Burns Supper
The Haven held their first Burns Supper charity event this year.
Blantyre’s Carrigan’s bar/ restaurant helped to sponsor the event which raised more than £6000 for the charity.
The Haven this week thanked Carrigan’s for providing their tartan-decked function room and for providing a first class evening of entertainment and food.
Speakers John Mckelvie, and Stewart Smith captivated the audience of more than 120 with traditional Burns literature, poetry and stories.
Keen Haven supporter, Christina Mckelvie, Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP kindly attended and delivered a humorous reply on behalf of The Lasses.
Piper David Stark BEM and musician Ali Jones volunteered their time and provided stirring Scottish music.
Guests thoroughly enjoyed the assortment of entertainment, and praised the quality of the four course meal and service they received, with guests adding: “The speakers were so engaging, entertaining and funny.
“The food was just delicious, the portions were so generous and the staff were very attentive and friendly. We had a wonderful evening.”
Lynsay Cooper, Haven communications officer, said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support we have received which all resulted in an incredibly successful evening. Not only in the amazing amount raised, but the first class experience our guests enjoyed.
“All of this would not have been possible without the generosity of the Carrigan family and the seamless service provided by their team of staff.
“A huge thank you to the staff supporting the function who donated their tips from the evening.”
Haven Founder Dr Rosalie Dunn MBE attended the evening and added: “My guests and I had a tremendous evening.
“It is always special, when The Haven charity is supported by a local business, and local people attend and donate so kindly.
“The Haven could not provide the vital support services needed without the local community’s backing, and evenings like this ensure we will be able to support more people affected by life limiting illness.”
Barry Carrigan, restaurant co-owner said: “It was a real pleasure hosting the Robert Burns night on behalf of The Haven.
“Everyone had a fantastic night and we are delighted that The Haven already booked the event again with us next year.
“The work they do is fantastic for our community and we are proud to help in any way.”
The Haven Centre was opened in May 2002 in Blantyre to provide care, complementary therapies and information to people affected by life-limiting illness such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease and also to their carers and family members.