Burns night

"Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer
Gie her a haggis!"

Robert Burns, Address to a Haggis

So, last night my college, the wonderful St. Hugh's hosted a Burns night formal hall which was attended by many of the MBA's.

For those who don't have a clue let me explain. January 25th is the birthday of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns. There is a fine tradition of a Burns night supper which follows certain pattern, and this meal was no different.

For the first time since I've been there, grace was not said in Latin but instead by one of the guys in the JCR in a Scottish accent. It went like this:

"Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit."

Robert Burns

The first course was scotch broth which was followed by the sound of bagpipes. We all stood as the haggis was brought into the room and sat while the "Address to a Haggis" poem by Burns was read to us by a Scottish lass. Didn't understand a word she said but laughed when everyone laughed and joined in the toast to the haggis.

The meal was, of course, haggis, neeps and tatties which translates to haggis, mashed potato and mashed squash. Yummy.

A good night.