Honouring ‘Scotland’s Poet’ at Liberty North

It’s arguably the first song we hear each year, right after the stroke of midnight, about old acquaintances never being forgotten, drinking a cup of kindness in honour of old times gone by. For many folks – decked in kilts or not – that song’s author, Robbie Burns, was the embodiment of the Scots nation, which is why his birthday, Jan. 25, is celebrated lavishly all over the world.

Barrie’s Robbie Burns celebrations will be staged at Liberty North Event Centre on Caplan Avenue, Saturday night, Jan. 27, with the Barrie Pipes and Drums Band kicking off the festivities with the haggis being piped in for the Address to the Haggis.

Band manager Angela Soule tells BarrieToday that, given Robbie’s short duration on this earth (he was only 37), he still made enough of a dent in our collective consciousness to win the term, “Scotland’s Poet”, because, “his poetry was written and performed in the Old Scots language. This was important because it was at a time when the English language and way of life were being pushed upon the Scottish people.”

Soule goes on to list some of the more familiar pieces beyond Auld Lang Syne, and To a Mouse, in which the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.

Burns’ works spread over many topics including politics, romance and his love of Scotland. Other top works include Tam o’ Shanter, A Man’s a Man for A’ That, and Scots Wha Hae (literally, “Scots, Who Have”)

And like anything truly worth its salt, Soule says there is a fair degree of ritual to Robbie Burns Night.

“(The traditions) include a reading of Selkirk Grace and the Address to a Haggis followed by toasts to the Queen and to the lassies, with a reply to the laddies. Burns is also addressed with an Immortal Memory which is an overview of his life and his work.

“Robbie Burns Night has evolved to include entertainment with highland dancing, live music and poetry readings. All this of course is after the traditional roast beef dinner with haggis!”

Aye, the haggis, the savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, traditionally encased in the animal's stomach though now often in an artificial casing instead. For sure, it’s an acquired taste, and perhaps Burns Night is just the occasion to acquire it. All the same, Soule recognizes, it’s not for everyone.

“At our Robbie Burns Night, our meal is served plated, however, the haggis is served family style for those who may not be interested in trying it. We do not push it on our guests, but it is obviously encouraged! I think people are more afraid of the idea of haggis, and it actually tastes really good – similar to stuffing."

And Soule is adamant about including everyone.

“For the guests who do enjoy haggis, they don’t mind if there are individuals not open to trying it – it just means more for the rest of the group!”

Folks are encouraged to don their plaids and tartans if they’ve got them, semi-formal or business attire if they haven’t. Price for admission is $65, which includes the aforementioned haggis and roast beef, soup, Yorkshire pudding, dessert, tea and coffee and dancing afterwards. Along with the initial scurl of the bagpipes to begin the affair – which should set the hair on the back of your neck on end – it should be a fine evening.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, at Liberty North, 100 Caplan Ave. For more, click here.