Burns Night is a big annual event in the calendar for those in Scotland, and also Middleton Hall Retirement Village! Having not been able to celebrate Burns night for the past three years due to the pandemic, 2023 promised a bigger and better event.

Preparations for the evening started early this month, where residents had an afternoon of crafting table decorations with activities co-ordinator Julie, who also created a beautiful floral centrepiece for the top table. Take a look below at their creations which completed the marvellously laid out tables.

Celebrations began with a traditional bagpiper to greet guests, as well as a complimentary whisky whilst everyone gathered.

The start of the meal was led by our very own Waterside resident Ian. Haggis was brought to the table whilst Ian recited the traditional poem ‘Address to a Haggis‘ by Robert Burns before a theatrical cutting of the haggis with a ceremonial knife.

Dishes for the event included haggis, neeps & tatties, traditional highland chicken, cabbie claw and a dessert of cranachan trifle. Guests commented that the menu was “traditional, well thought out and executed to perfection”. Before the starters were served the Selkirk grace prayer, a well-known thanksgiving that uses the Scots language, was read out.

A big thank you to all those who made the evening such a success, including our Chef Ian, Hospitality Manager Clare, Bagpiper Cameron and our special lead guest, Ian, as well as everyone else who attended. The positive feedback was lovely to see and comments included:

“The organisation, superb table settings and food were outstanding. The atmosphere was exciting and fun. Well done to you all.”

“I enjoyed the evening and look forward to next year. The food,  drinks, company, table arrangements were all very acceptable and the Piper added that little extra.”