-40C and we’ve all got a red, red nose
Scots judo team celebrate Burns in Mongolian capital
As Burns Suppers go, it would be enough to leave our famous Bard ordering an extra dram during the toast to the lassies.
But more than 150 people yesterday took par t in the world ’ s coldest celebration of the poet.
Members of the Scottish judo team were among hardy souls who attended the bash in Mongolia’s capital Ulan Bator as temperatures plummeted to - 40C.
Businessman David Scott, Mongolian honorary consul in Scotland, organised the trip. David, 46, of Newton Mearns, near Glasgow, said: “Ulan Bator is the coldest capital in the world at this time of year. It was at least - 40C last night but it can be as low as - 47 C.
“It was a traditional Burns Supper but we mixed it up a bit with the two different cultures.
“This is one of the biggest nights in the Mongolian social calendar. It’s also the coldest. Anyone arriving at the hotel for the Burns Supper or leaving would not want to hang about outside for very long.”
Scotland’s judo starlets made the trip for a clash with their Mongolian counterpa r ts as par t of thei r development. Commonwealth Games gold medal l ist Euan Burton, who attended, said: “JudoScotland was delighted to send a team of five athletes and two coaching staff to Mongolia.
“Scotland and Mongolia are known for being warriors on the field of battle but also for being warm hosts – even when it’s bitterly cold outside.”
David, who runs expedition and endurance event company Sandbaggers, added: “We f lew in a piper, Alistair McCallum, and we bring over Scottish haggis. The Mongolians have their own version which is similar. The only thing it doesn’t have in it is barley. We just mash the two together and the taste is great.”