Galashiels Burns Club

The official website of the Galashiels Burns Club

Founded: 1908Federation No: 187


O Tam! had'st thou but been sae wise,
As taen thy ain wife Kate's advice!
She tauld thee weel thou was a skellum,
A blethering, blustering, drunken blellum;
Tam O'Shanter

THE 2025 GALASHIELS BURNS SUPPER

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WHILE Storm Eowyn caused havoc throughout Scotland and the country shut down, Galashiels Burns Club was determined to honour the birthday of the national bard. And that they did with a memorable Burns Supper staged at Gala Rugby Club on Friday evening after the worst of the howling winds had finally calmed down. The night produced so many highlights with thought-provoking speeches and also superb entertainment provided by the artistes reciting the poems and songs of Robert Burn. Traditions were maintained in style with Haggis Bearer Peter Croan bringing the fayre to the top table accompanied by piper David Sanderson. A stirring Address to the Haggis was performed by club vice-president Bruce Robertson and it was debutant president John Purves who delivered the Selkirk Grace before members tucked into a delicious four-course meal. Former Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray was given the task of toasting “The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns which he delivered in style. He spoke fondly of Burns’ universal appeal citing his time teaching in an agricultural school in Mozambique where a common language was classics penned by Burns such as Auld Lang Syne. The former East Lothian MSP toast was beautifully crafted as he told his story of Burns and thoroughly merited the standing ovation he received. The education theme was continued by Galashiels Academy English teacher Craig Aitchison with the “Toast to the Lassies” stepping in at the last minute for his brother Bruce who was stranded by the storm in Edinburgh. Bring a writer of poetry and prose himself, Craig was the ideal person to reflect on the “Ploughman Poet” and in particular the role of the women in his life. He spoke about the women who influenced Burns by instilling in him a love of poetry, song and folklore, in particular his mother and Betty Davidson. Craig also talked about the strength and importance of the women who support and inspire us all. There were also humorous anecdotes he regaled to the audience – a remarkable performance given that only had a few hours to prepare his speech. If the previous speakers had touched on education, Newtown Primary deputy head teacher Roddy Graham was full on about the Scottish education system in his toast “Land of Cakes-Caledonia.” With his Hawick roots, he engaged in the banter between the two largest towns in the Borders but at the end of the day treading the line very carefully! Turning to his main theme of Scottish education he lamented that the system north of the border is no longer regarded as “world class”. He commented: ”There has been a lot of talk about changing the Curriculum for Excellence so tonight I am going to make my proposal for what this change should look like. It should be a curriculum designed for primary schools, secondary schools but also for new people living in the country who want to learn about Scotland, visitors wishing to learn more about our great nation and it should be easy enough for everyone to understand.” Roddy split this into categories such as Literacy, Maths and Health and Well-Being with some serious suggestions for improvement but also injecting his brand of humour on how others see Scottish people. In between the speeches, there was the traditional entertainment with Sam Cleland and Grant Lees in fine voice with many of Burns’ classic songs. Dave Darling entertained the audience with several tunes on the fiddle as Burns tended to go during his nights in the Globe Inn in Dumfries. David Sanderson performed the recitals with his hilarious rendition of Tam o Shanter almost bringing the house down with its reaction from the gathering. Fortunately on a night of so much storm damage, it did not and after the closing remarks from the chairman shortly after midnight it was time to head home from Netherdale, full of good food and liquids and also thoroughly entertained. Storm Eowyn had scored a point over the Galashiels Burns Club when the traditional wreath-laying ceremony on Friday afternoon at the Burns Statue in Lawyer’s Brae had to be cancelled. Bu several stalwart committee members addressed this by re-scheduling for Sunday afternoon to witness President Purves climb the ladder and place the wreath to mark the Bard’s birthday on the statue. The admiration for the works of Robert Burns- even 230 years since his passing – remain alive and well in Galashiels.



The President with Guests and Artistes.



Bruce Robertson addressing the Haggis