To honour the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns, the Cochrane Men of Vision Pipes and Drums will, once again, be celebrating in true Celtic style with the 14th running of Robbie Burns Night.
Held on Jan. 26 — one day after the famed poet’s birthday — at the Cochrane RancheHouse, the event boasts a full roster of Scot-themed activities.
“It’s a time to celebrate Robbie Burns and to celebrate the Scottish traditions — we need to keep them alive in Canada,” said Leslie Deans, manager of the Cochrane Men of Vision Pipe and Drums.
There will be plenty of traditions for partygoers to take in, with a group of dancers from Springbank School of Highland Dance leaping and twirling for the crowd, and a handful of representatives doling out advice for anyone interested in scotch tasting.
Bids will be taken on silent auction items, which Deans said includes paintings from artist Janet Armstrong, owner of Cochrane’s Just ImaJan Art Gallery and Studio.
Celtic band Cabot’s Crossing will be providing musical entertainment into the early morning hours. And, of course, the Men of Vision themselves will be performing for the crowd. Deans said the band has been working on a new set for the event.
Local caterer, Gourmet To Go, will serve a full roast beef buffet-style dinner, complete with the piece de resistance — haggis. The haggis will be piped in to the event, carried on a silver platter and toasted.
A series of Scottish toasts will be performed throughout the evening.
“Everything is a toast at Robbie Burns Night,” said Deans. “If you’ve never been, the event gives a lot of insight into the Scottish heritage in Canada.
“You don’t need to be Scottish to go — and you don’t need a kilt.”
Born in Scotland in 1759, Burns was widely known for his collection of poetry and songs that captured the culture of his homeland. He died in 1796.
The event gets underway with cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 each or $560 for a table of eight, and can be purchased by calling Susan Flowers at 403-932-2228.
For more information on Cochrane Men of Vision Pipes and Drums, or Robbie Burns Night, visit cochranepipeband.com.
