Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
January 06, 2003
U of G celebrates Robbie Burns Day With Scottish supper
The Scottish studies program at the University of Guelph, the largest of its kind in North America, is celebrating Robbie Burns Day with an International Burns Supper Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Colony Hotel in Toronto.
"Our involvement with this event underlines our interest in developing strong links with the Scots-Canadian community and placing Scottish culture, history and literature, of which Burns is an emblem, at the forefront of study in our program," said Kevin James, head of Scottish studies.
The annual event organized by the national Scottish Studies Foundation aims to keep Scottish traditions alive for some of Canada's two million Scottish descendants while celebrating the life of poet and writer Robert Burns, who was born Jan. 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland.
The Scottish Studies Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the study of Scottish and Scottish-Canadian culture and heritage through the active support of Guelph's Scottish studies program. The foundation's support has allowed U of G to create North America's first chair in Scottish studies.
"The Scottish studies program at Guelph benefits from the funds raised through the Burns Supper, and from the ongoing support of the Scottish Studies Society and Scottish Studies Foundation," said James.
The Burns Supper is well-attended by Canadians and visitors from the United States and the United Kingdom. The president of the Robert Burns World Federation, Jim Robertson, is travelling with his wife from York, England to attend this year's event.
The evening's entertainment includes the formal and informal addresses to the Haggis, the 48th Highlanders Pipes and Drums, the Tunnochbrae Dancers, Danielle Bourre performing Burns' songs, and dancing until midnight to the Sandy MacIntyre Trio. "The Immortal Memory" will be delivered by Gordon Hepburn, event organizer and director of the Scottish Studies Foundation.
Highlights of the menu:
• Scottish smoked salmon, warm potato scone with dill cream and caper berries
• Haggis wi'champit tatties and bashed neeps with a glass of Glennfiddich liqueur
• Roast lamb loin with a rosemary and cracked mustard crust served with pan jus, garlic roast parsnips, carrots and fine beans
• Scotch trifle, shortbread cookies, coffee and tea.
The cost of the evening is $80 per person. An overnight package may be purchased for $260 per couple, which includes the supper, deluxe accommodation and a full Scottish breakfast. Tickets can be purchased through the Scottish Studies Society, (905) 881-5780, and from Crystyna Bebee at the Colony Hotel, (416) 585-3153 or kbebee@conlobyhoteltoronto.com.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 56982.
