AS many as 134 people dressed in Scottish garb went along to Crediton Boniface Rotary Club’s Burns Night supper at the Waie Inn in Zeal Monachorum on Friday, January 24.

Piper Ray Couch outside the Waie Inn
Piper Ray Couch outside the Waie Inn (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The event was held to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns as part of a tradition begun in 1801.

Tartan-clad guests at the Waie Inn
Tartan-clad guests at the Waie Inn (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Last held in 2023, the evening also continued a local tradition Rotarian and Scotsman Wilson Mitchell started for Crediton Rotary Club more than twenty years ago.

From left, Pam Atkinson, Sheila Ralph, Adam Mitchell-Manns
From left, Pam Atkinson, Sheila Ralph, Adam Mitchell-Manns (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Guests heard the skirl of the bagpipes, played by Ray Couch, as they arrived at the Waie Inn.

Mike Boyle giving the address to the haggis
Mike Boyle giving the address to the haggis (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The nicht’s ongauns (night’s goings-on) featured the Selkirk Grace, in the Scots language, recited by Wilson Mitchell’s grandson Adam Mitchell-Manns: “Some hae meat an canna eat/ And some wad eat that want it/ But we hae meat, and we can eat/ And sae the Lord be thankit”.

Guests enjoying the evening
Guests enjoying the evening (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Everyone enjoyed a Scottish menu prepared by the Waie Inn. Starters included cullen skink (a light smoked fish soup), venison pate with oatcakes, and Arbroath smokie toasties.

Having a wee dram
Having a wee dram (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The haggis, flown in from Scotland, was piped into the dining room and addressed by Mike Boyle followed by a whisky toast.

Nigel Guthrie giving the toast to the lasses
Nigel Guthrie giving the toast to the lasses (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Attendees tucked in to haggis and tatties (mashed potato) and neeps (mashed swede).

From left, Malcolm and Patricia Wilkinson, Wilson Mitchell
From left, Malcolm and Patricia Wilkinson, Wilson Mitchell (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

For dessert the choice included cranachan (cream, raspberries, oats and whisky), tipsy laird (whisky trifle), cheesecake and more.

The MC for the evening was Paul Evans.

Anthony Geering proposed the toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, Nigel Guthrie gave the toast to the lassies and Tina Guthrie the reply. Guests found the speeches very humorous.

And noo yer thanks and the final toast were given by Wilson Mitchell.

Before the end of the evening, everyone joined hands and sang Auld Lang Syne.

A raffle during the evening raised more than £500 for FORCE Cancer Charity and Hospiscare.