Fitting tribute to Scotland's Bard in Galashiels

And it was well worth the wait.

Robert Burns is celebrated annually, not just in his native lands but all over the world.

The Galashiels Burns Club has been honouring his name since 1908.

Club president Bruce Robertson led the plaudits to Scotland’s Bard from the main stage and, as chairman for the night, he assembled a fine cast of speakers, reciters, singers and musicians to join in him in providing a fitting tribute to the ploughman.

The 110 guests clapped on piper Alex Lindsay and Haggis Bearer John Purves before Grant Lees delivered a wonderful address.

The chairman then said the Selkirk Grace before everyone tucked into a four-course supper consisting of Kail Soup, Haggis wi’ mashed neeps and champit tatties, Stirk pie, tatties and mixed veg then Bannock and kebbuck.

After toasting The King, for the first time in living memory, it was down to the top table to lead the appreciation and the nicht’s ongauns started with the chairman’s remarks.

Professor Graeme Small was given the privilege of delivering The Immortal Memory.

In an informative and entertaining talk. He described Burns' visit to the Scottish Borders at the height of his fame in 1787 along his friendship with Borderer John Ainslie and also mentioned the famous meeting of Burns and a teenage Walter Scott at Sciennes Hill House in Edinburgh, the home of Professor Adam Fergusson.

Interspersed throughout the celebrations were wonderful renditions of some of Burns’ most rousing songs from Alastair Waddell and Grant Lees, accompanied by Chris Achenbach on the piano.

Dave Darling entertained the guests on his fiddle and Wattie Blake was in fine fettle as he performed and Tam o’ Shanter and Holy Willie’s Prayer.

Retired local vet Nigel Brown had the audience in stitches with a tremendous and humorous Toast to The Lassies from the stage.

The evening continued with community singing of traditional songs such as Scots Wha Hae, Ye Banks and Brae A Man’s a Man and of course Braw Lads O Galla Water.

And it was left to Peter Croan to provide the Vote of Thanks to the many in the Volunteer Hall who made sure Burns was fittingly celebrated and remembered for another year in Galashiels – and continues to survive the test of time.

The evening ended with a rendition of Burns’ most famous song, Auld Lang Syne.

When it was all over for another year Mr Robertson said: “It went very well. On the back of two years without a supper it took some organising, but the meal was excellent and the speakers were tremendous.

“On a personal note as chairman, I’d like to thank everyone for coming, the caterers, the artistes and the committee and I’m looking forward to many more suppers in the future.”

All photos Alwyn Johnston