PUPILS at St Ronan’s School in Innerleithen held their 33rd Annual Burns Lunch last week. 

As well as celebrating the birth of Robert Burns, the event commemorated Burns’ visit to Innerleithen in 1787 when he took tea at Pirn House, where the school now stands.

The school’s lunch was arranged by the Primary 7 pupils with guests from the community as well as the P6 pupils and their P7 friends from partner school, Walkerburn. 

In the chair was Anna Leckie who kept the proceedings moving along nicely. Piper Jim Hamilton, one of the school’s grandpas, piped in the haggis and Cormac Farrell gave a stirring Address to the Haggis. 

Jamie Marsh said the Selkirk Grace before a team of P5 waiters and waitresses served up a delicious meal of haggis, neeps and tatties prepared by the St Ronan’s kitchen staff.

Headmaster Keith Belleville told the Peeblesshire News: “We are very proud of our Burns lunch and the part our pupils play in organising and presenting it and this year is no exception. 

“Our short study of the Scots language and Burns has been very successful and the poetry competition and Burns Lunch was a great way to round this off.”

Following the meal, a number of pupils delivered speeches. Drew Lobb proposed The Immortal Memory and reminded everyone of the Bard’s humble beginnings, visit to Innerleithen and colourful lifestyle.

The Toast to the Lassies was proposed by Elliot Brydon who recounted Burns’ love of the lassies, while taking the chance to gently poke fun at the girls of St Ronan’s. 

Emma Belleville replied on behalf of the lasses and other toasts and replies were given by Natasha Mott (To Oor Guests), Sasha Lamb (Thanks to the Artistes) and Rosie Duckworth (Vote of Thanks to the Chair). 

Primary 7 pupils from Walkerburn, Heidi Barrett, Martha Bremner, Rosie Callaghan and Greg Zokas gave a reply on behalf of the Guests.

The chief guest was Jacqueline Wilson, headteacher of Kingsland and Eddleston Schools. 

Mrs Wilson gave an address and took the children on a sweet-toothed hurl around the Borders recalling the various treats such as Jedhart Snails, Berwick Cockles, Soor Plooms and Hawick Balls. 

Final destination was Innerleithen for Caldwell’s ice cream! Mrs Wilson also presented the awards to the winners of the poetry competition.

The brass group gave two tunes, while children from St Ronan’s Nursery gave their version of Coulter’s Candy!

For more photos, don't forget to pick up a copy of this week's Peeblesshire News!