When they’d recovered from the shock of hearing about the haggis running wild on the Scottish hillsides, and realised that Head of English Dr Edwards was teasing them, Years 7-9 began to relax and to appreciate the very essence of Scottishness that he could teach them in celebration of Burns Night, 25 January.  The assembly was a feast of Scottish culture, with the String Sinfonietta playing a medley including the Skye Boat Song and other reels in 4 time against a video backdrop of moors, mountains, lochs and even a faerie glen. Congratulations to all the young fiddlers, and especially the viola soloists in ‘Mairi’s Wedding’ who followed Miss Davis’ vigorous lead so confidently. Who could resist heel and toe-tapping  to ‘The Athol Highlanders’ and ‘The Hundred Pipers’ jigs played with such enthusiasm?

 

Then the solemnity of piping in the haggis, in our imagination wi’ bashit neeps an’ champit tatties, and in strode Drama teacher Mr Kerr, and RS teacher Miss Allgrove, and the temperature soared. Was ever haggis so worshipped?

		"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! Aboon them a' ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm"

If it was a bit early in the morning for celebrating haggis, it was time enough for a full-blown declaration of love (which brought the house down)

 
        
"O, my luve is like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my luve is like a melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi the sun!
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve!
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho it were ten thousand mile!"

I think it would be fair to say that Mr Kerr and Miss Allgrove’s interpretation had a new twist. Finally in tribute to Scotland’s finest poet, here’s one we all know:  

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!"

Dr Johnson may not have appreciated what Scotland has to offer, but we do! Here’s to cullen skink, clootie dumpling, bannocks and cheese, and of course, Robbie Burns. Have a good Burns Night.