Rabbie Burns (1759 – 1796)
Lang may yer lum reek
In other words: May you never be without fuel for your fire!
25 January is Burns Night
Rabbie Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire and a romantic, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He was born on 25 January 1759 in Alloway, near Dalrymple in South West Scotland. My Grandmother, Kate Paysden, was born in Stranraer also in South West Scotland and my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather, Peter Kelly, came from Dalrymple.
On Burns Night I will prepare a feast of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, a Scottish classic, traditionally eaten on Burns Night.
For the uninitiated Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep’s pluck minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and mixed with stock, traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach. Neeps are mashed Turnips or Suedes while Tatties are mashed Spuds (potatoes).
Two wee songs
Shenna Wellington sings “A Mans a Man for all That” at the opening of the Devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999. It’s a very moving rendition.
In final verse, Burns imagines a future world in which all people will live as brothers, in mutual trust and respect. Perhaps Northern Ireland politicians, especially those claiming Ulster Scots heritage, should reflect and show some humility and respect.
And one for the ladies. Eddi Reader sings “My Love is Like a Red Red Rose”. Rabbie, like all us guys with South West Scottish ancestry, was a real romantic.
For a look at the life and legend of Scotland’s most celebrated son, Rabbie Burns go to https://youtu.be/e6yGVYhVM1g