Scots Celebrate

Times Contributor

 

If Robbie Burns were alive in 2012, he perhaps would have produced an independent CD or been a YouTube star.

In 2009, a poll on Scottish Television (STV), voted him the greatest Scot of all time. In his time, he was thought to be a radical, a liberal and socialist, upholding the rights of the common man and the poor. In his songs and poems he often made fun of royalty and challenged the power structure of his time. In later years, his words were used in fights for equal rights.

As a famous celebrity, his life is remembered worldwide by Scot descendants. On January 27, 2012, Burns was remembered in Strathmore by over 150 people in the Civic Centre. 

“His fame has grown like a snowball, since his death. It gets bigger and bigger,” said Worshipful Brother (WB) Rob Clark, a member of the Masons, who gave a biographical tribute to Burns called Immortal Memory.

Other dignitaries included WB Eric Dousou (Gleichen #36 Masons), WB Larry McKinley and his wife (Strathmore #53 Masons) and The Grand First Principals of Alberta (MEC Jerry Kopp).

Piper Gary Thurston piped in the haggis, as well as playing tunes later in the program. There were various toasts including one to the haggis, with and without Scotch whiskey. Haggis, tasting somewhat like dressing, was accompanied by roast beast, tatties and neeps (potatoes and turnips), peas, buns, and pickles, and cake for dessert. 

Many wore a flash of plaid and some wore full Scottish dress. The Burns Club Singers rounded off the evening with a chorus of Scottish songs. 

Many caught up with old friends and made a few new ones wishing them well with a goodbye verse.

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your window-pane;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May your heart always fill with gladness to cheer you.