The smell of Scotch, haggis, bashed tatties and chappit neeps wafted through the Other Paw Bakery Jan. 25, as about 30 people gathered to celebrate the life of Scotland’s most beloved poet, Robbie Burns.
Arts Jasper’s annual Robbie Burns Night packed the local café, as MC Sandy Robinson guided diners through the odes, graces and traditions that are the mark of every good Burns night.
First was the Selkirk Grace, a short tribute to the poet, followed by a course of cock-a-leekie soup. Next, piper Jody Cinnamon marched in the haggis, and Jeff Wilson, waving a carving knife for emphasis, gave an impassioned performance of Burns’ poem “To a Haggis.”
Before long the Scotch began to flow and plates filled up as diners dug into the main course, followed by a dessert of shortbread and ice cream.
After the meal, Robinson treated everyone to a history of Burns’ life, and Anita Robinson performed some of the poet’s most-loved prose.
After the toasts to the lassies and the laddies, and some closing remarks by Robinson and Other Paw owner Kim Stark, the night closed with a Scottish sing-a-long, featuring the ever-popular Burns tune, Auld Lang Syne.
Trevor Nichols
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