USU's Scottish Association to host Scotland's bard, Robert Burns

By USU Media Relations and Marketing

January 25, 2008 / LOGAN — A celebration of Scotland’s bard, Robert Burns, will be held Friday, Feb. 1, on the campus of Utah State University. The event includes dinner, readings, traditional toasts, music and more. The evening gets underway at 7 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center’s Stevenson Ballroom.

For more than 200 years, the poet's fans and those of Scottish heritage have celebrated Burns's life, poetry and spirit, usually close to his Jan. 25 birth date. The host for this first — of what is hoped to become an annual event at Utah State University — is the Utah Scottish Association.

On his deathbed, Burns told friends to commemorate his life by gathering for supper, reading poetry and singing songs. The tradition has been carried on worldwide since and this year, USU joins the tradition. All are invited to be Scots for a night, celebrating this tribute to Scotland's favorite literary son.

Tickets are $22 for Scottish Association members, USU students or staff, and $25 for all others. Tickets can be ordered by calling University Catering at 435-797-1707. The ticket deadline is Jan. 25. Seating is limited, and organizers encourage all to plan early. An overnight lodging and ticket package is available by calling USU’s University Inn at 800-231-5634 and mentioning the "Burns Supper Group." The University Inn is adjacent to the Taggart Student Center where the supper is being held.

Anyone who enjoys good literature, great Scottish food or things Scottish is invited to join the festivities. Scottish attire, especially tartan, or best dress is appropriate. The evening's fare will be Scottish cuisine, prepared by USU Dining Services.

The evening begins with a gathering at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and networking. At 7 p.m., all will be seated, welcoming remarks will be rendered and Burns's famous Selkirk Grace will be pronounced upon the supper. The traditional Presentation of the Haggis will feature a piper-led procession of the haggis and its chef through the hall. The Burns "Ode to A Haggis" will be recited, then supper continues in earnest.

"A Toast to the Laddies" follows an earlier "Toast to the Lassies," both good- naturedly pointing out foibles of the opposite gender. Burns's life and literary works will be discussed in an Immortal Memory address. Burns's songs and poems will be performed and ceilidh dancing will be taught.

As is the longstanding custom, the evening will draw to a close with all assembled joining hands to sing Burns's world renowned ode to friendship, "Auld Lang Syne."

Further details are available online at www.utahscots.org. Local organizer Diane Siegfreid can be reached at dsiegfreid@gmail.com.

Robert Burns is thought to be the third most quoted source — the Bible is first, followed by Shakespeare. Burns's works are in the public domain and are available on the Internet.

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