Plaid kilts and long socks required for Robbie Burns Day

By Rachel Psutka

If you were caught in a short kilt and long socks on Jan. 25, then you were dressed for success in the eyes of Scotland’s favourite son.

Some of Quinte’s best plaid and tartans were on display at Trenton’s Knights of Columbus hall for the 16th-annual local celebration of the iconic Scottish poet Robbie Burns’ birth.

Organizer Beth Cleaton was thrilled with the outcome of another year of the Burns supper, one of thousands around the world held in honour of the man who wrote such works as Auld Lang Syne and Scots Wha Hae, often sung as an unofficial national anthem in Scotland.

“We’re chalking this year up as a success, for sure,” said Cleaton. “We had around 160 people showing up, which is a good turnout.”

Cleaton is also a pipe major in the 413 Wing Air Force Association Pipes and Drums, which provided the opening entertainment. She said Celtic heritage is strong in the area and many people like to show up to celebrate that, as well as take in a hearty meal.

“We have a traditional Scottish dinner with roast beef, turnip – which in Scotland they call neeps – and mashed potatoes, or tatties, and trifle and shortbread desserts,” said Cleaton.

Of course, no Burns supper would be complete without a haggis. Dr. Bill Cunningham recited Robbie Burns’ poem Address to a Haggis, an important part of all Burns suppers, in old Scottish to the delight of many spectators.

“The haggis was excellent,” Cleaton said. “People get scared by the tradition of the haggis, that it is cooked in a sheep’s stomach, but nowadays it is prepared differently. It’s still an acquired taste,” she noted.

Dinner was followed by a display from the McGilly Highland Dancers and musical entertainment from band Crazy Chester.

The dinner is a joint fundraiser between the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival and 413 Pipes and Drums. All funds raised help promote Celtic heritage in the area.