We welcomed guests to our glamourous black tie and tartan evening to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns and share the traditions of Scotland with our international parent body. The night was made even more poignant after missing the celebration last year.

The evening began with champagne and canapés before Fergus Collington piped in the haggis. Development Director, Tom Robertson, gave a wonderfully dramatic rendition of Burns’ Address to the Haggis before stabbing the haggis with a knife. Lucy Elphinstone blessed the meal with the Selkirk Grace before everyone sat down to enjoy the meal.

The Senior Hall was superbly decorated by the fantastic SSPA committee and, in pride of place, stood the fantastic painting The Beaders by Pie Herring. With the support of the FHS community, this Burns Night we aimed to raise £5,000 to purchase the painting and enable Sophie (who is featured in the painting) to take up her university education in Nairobi. This testament to our ongoing commitment to support girls’ education in Africa.

Music department staff, Daisy Houlder and Maki Gajic Murata, performed a moving rendition of My Love is Like a Red Rose before Graham Davidson led us all in a rousing Toast to the Immortal Memory. As whisky was enjoyed, the Hall transformed into a dancefloor as the reeling began. Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow and Eightsome Reel were all danced with enthusiasm accompanied by the brilliant Frank Reid Band.

A Burns Night to remember for all.