GALASHIELS celebrated the work and life of Scotland’s greatest ever poet Robert Burns with an action-filled evening in the Volunteer Hall.
Michael Moore MP was among the speakers in front of over 200 members of the Galashiels Burns Club last Friday, on Burns Night itself, as Alex Merry completed his second and final year as president.
Grant Lees started proceedings with the Address to the Haggis, followed by a four-course meal.
The speeches began with the Immortal Memory proposed by Billy Young, the former Langholm cornet’s excellent insight into the rebellious nature of the Bard proving both interesting and humorous.
Next up was Galashiels Burns Club vice-president Keith Cowan who proposed the toast to the Lassies, while Mr Moore, the Secretary of State for Scotland, looked at the wider meaning of The Land O’ Cakes in a thought-provoking speech.
Among the highlights of the evening was Galashiels’ David Sanderson, who recited Tam O’Shanter, with the help of some colourful props, as well as Holy Willie’s Prayer.
Some of Burns’ most popular items were performed by singer Alastair Waddell, pianist Chris Achenbach, accordionist and singer Stuart Anderson and piper Bruce Hastie.