The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve is delighted to announce that we will once again be holding our Burns Supper at the Ponte Romana restaurant, in Silves on Saturday 25 January 2025.
As we have announced previously this will sadly be the last Burns Supper organised by the present (ageing) committee. We very much hope that younger members of the community will step forward to follow in our shoes and organise future events – it would be very sad if this longstanding tradition were to end with this function – even if it does fittingly fall on Burns’ birthday.
The event will start at 7 pm when guests will be greeted at the entrance by the lusty playing of our piper Malcolm MacGillivray - again coming out of retirement especially to play for us. We will start off with a bubbly reception before sitting down to enjoy dinner.
After soup, MacSween’s haggis (after it has been formally addressed) will be served with tatties and neeps as the main course.
For non-believers fish will be available, but must be ordered in advance. The meal will be accompanied by wine and perhaps even some amber mead, as well as Atholl Brose with coffee!
After supper we will have the traditional “Immortal Memory” speech about the life and times of Robert Burns, followed by the humorous toasts to the Lassies and Laddies. Then it will be time for what most people come for – the Scottish country dancing. This is aimed to include beginners with each dance being walked through beforehand. We will end the evening with Auld Lang Syne.
If you would like to sharpen your dancing skills beforehand or even have a go for the first time, why not give it a try. For details contact Mardie Cunningham either on 964 278 432 or e-mail rosevale45@gmail.com.
Tickets are available from Treasurer Kathy Prentice on 919 635246 at €35,00 for Society members and €40 for non-members. Please tell Kathy if you wish to order the fish instead of haggis.
Doug McAdam - Chieftain
