Galashiels Burns ClubThe official website of the Galashiels Burns ClubFounded: 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
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 2026 GALASHIELS BURNS SUPPER
MARKING the 230th anniversary of the death of Scotland's legendary bard,
you would be hard-pressed to find an attendee denying that this year's
annual supper in Galashiels was a night to remember.
Members of Galashiels Burns Club and a top table of passionate speakers
and talented artistes, from near and far afield found their way down to
Netherdale, the home of Gala Rugby Club on Friday.
The evening's proceedings started with haggis bearer Peter Croan
bringing the evening's fayre to the top table accompanied by piper Calum
McLennan.
After the gathering was welcomed by chairman John Purves, former
president Bruce Robertson delivered the "Address to the Haggis."
There followed a delicious four-course meal provided by Johnny Robertson
and his team and with glasses replenished, it was time to sit back and
listen to the speakers for the evening.
And what a treat was in store.
First up was Iain McSporran KC who revelled from a change of scenery of
his normal High Court beat to provide the "Immortal Memory of Robert
Burns."
Mr McSporran drew a fascinating connection between the Bard of Ayrshire
and the first American president, Abraham Lincoln, expressing the
universality of Burns' poetry from a unique and
thought-provoking perspective.
It was an alternative yet refreshing version of the "Immortal Memory"
which was well worthy of the standing ovation at the end.
Next to his feet was Hawick's Ian Landles, who delivered his toast to
"The Lassies" which was packed with all the wit and humour he is well
known for.
The room was laughing from his first opening line, and the same momentum
spurred him towards his heartfelt-yet still hilarious-closing remarks.
Afterwards Mr Landles' fellow townsman Michael Aitken joined Stuart
Anderson in singing the powerful 'Of a' the Airts,' a song dedicated to
Burns' love for his wife, Jean, and then the traditional
'The Star o' Rabbie Burns.'
Mr Aitken then went on to capture the room's attention with his
evocative performance of 'Tam O Shanter' with all the movements and
emphasis of a great storyteller, breathing new life into the timeless
piece.
It was generally agreed this was one of the finest versions of "Tam"
that members of Gala Burns Club have been treated to in living memory.
As the night continued, it was time for former Gala rugby player and
school teacher Don Ledingham's "Land of Cakes-Caledonia' speech, in
which he examined the multi-faceted Scotland, complimented
by readings of his poignant poetry.
With a truly remarkable range, Mr Ledingham's poems explored multiple
perspectives of Scottish culture, from a lone sheep watching a
photographer to a hypothetical unforgettable night out, featuring all
the famous figures
represented in Edinburgh's many statues, ending with an homage to the
beautiful Scot's tongue, and all its colourful words for excrement!
The entertainment continued to flow with Mr Anderson on the accordion
delighting the audience with "My Heart is in the Highlands" and "Rantin'
Rovin' Robin.
Club life member David Sanderson then gave an hilarious recital of "To a
Mouse" which he elevated with clever prop work of a mouse with a mind of
its own!
As midnight fast approached, it was chairman Purves who was left with
the task of bringing the formal proceedings to an end with his closing
remarks in thanking everyone
who had made the Supper such a success.
It also brought an end to his two-year role as club president and he
would be delighted to be departing on such a high note.
Afterwards he said:"Even though this was my second supper as president,
I was still a bag of nerves!
"The three speakers were exceptional with their knowledge of Burns and
humorous stories and jokes.
"The Artistes were also of an exceptionally high standard and they all
contributed to what was a memorable night."
The President with Guests and Artistes.
Bruce Robertson addressing the Haggis
Supper Photos by Alwyn Johnston.