Robbie Burns Day a hit throughout the County

January 29, 2025 @ 9:00 amNews

Community fundraiser – Hillsburgh’s St. Andrew’s Church hosted a Robbie Burns themed afternoon concert on Jan. 25. The fundraiser featured live Celtic music, Scottish poems and stories followed by a Scottish tea and silent auction. Robbie Burns’ poem To A Mouse recited in English by Mary-Ellen Miller, and in Celtic by Dorothy Edward. Photo by Tristan Clark
Helping hand – The St. Andrew’s Kitchen volunteers helped ensure the event ran smoothly and guests enjoyed themselves. Photo by Tristan Clark
Recognition – A presentation was made by Christine deNottbeck on the left to Sue Baker who is the pipe band manager for all the work she does during the season for the pipe band
A toast – There is always a toast to the lassies and a rely to that toast by a lassie. This year Matthew Bennett-Monty President of the Fergus Scottish Festival gave the toast and Eileen McLaughlin from the pipe band gave the reply
Scottish Heritage – John K. Campbell at his best saluting the Haggis while Shawn Aitkin and Rosanna Rigo look on
Ceremony concluded – The Haggis after the ceremony
Wrapping up – Finishing the salute to the Haggis is John K. Campbell while Rosanna Rigo on the left and Elizabeth Pringle look on
Ceremony – There is a ceremony to bringing in the Haggis. Shawn Aitkin, front, and Rosanne Rigos escorting the Haggis in place

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The famous Scottish poet and storyteller Robbie Burns was celebrated  this year by the Fergus Pipe Band on Jan. 25 at the Fergus Legion Hall. A sold out crowd of nearly 200 went through the rituals that surround the Scotsman. Scottish dancing was also offered to guests.