The finest of Rabbie Burns’ beasts will be celebrated in a procession led by scores of dancing haggis in Inverness.
The memory of Scotland’s national bard will be kept alive in a fun-filled way through Eden Court CREATIVE’s Haggis, Beasts and Tatties event on January 25.
The planned spectacle is part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals – a programme of events managed by EventScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Celebrations will begin at 6.45pm at Falcon Square in Inverness city centre with a “haggis hoedown” unlike anything ever seen before.
A procession will then move through the streets of the city, led by dancing haggis and the Inverness Youth Pipe Band, across the river to Eden Court Theatre.
At the venue people will be able to buy an array of food and drink from local producers, watch bite-sized drama performance and a join the Tattie Band for a grand Burns ceilidh.
Dawson Lamont, president of Inverness Burns Club, said: “Anything that helps to promote the songs and poetry of our national bard can only be a good thing.
“I believe that Rabbie himself was a guest at a Haggis Club in Kilmarnock in 1785, so presumably he would approve of this event if he were alive today. He always knew how to enjoy himself so would certainly be amused, and perhaps a tad embarrassed at all the fuss.
“The Eden Court production is yet another way to get more people in the Highlands interested in Burns’ poetry and Scottish poetry generally. It complements the more traditional approach.”
Lucy McGlennon, Eden Court CREATIVE manager, said: “We’re inviting everyone, of any shape and size, be you Haggis, Beast or Tattie to join in our Burns night celebrations. With dancing haggis, a variety of beasts and a talented Tattie Band I’m not sure what else you could ask for. Please remember to dress up warm as it will probably be wellie weather, and come ready to boogie.”
Tickets for the Eden Court event cost £4.00 and are available from the box office by calling 01463 234 234 or online at www.eden-court.co.uk
The Inverness Burns Club, which was founded in 1949, will be celebrating the bard with their annual Burns Supper, this year being held in the Lochardil Hotel, Inverness on the evening of Friday, January 30.
The principal Toast, The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, will be proposed by Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP.