Elgin Burns Club's traditional Burns Supper enjoyed by more than 100 guests at Mansefield Hotel
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MORE than 100 people turned out to celebrate Elgin Burns Club's traditional Burns Supper.
The event – running for the second time since the coronavirus pandemic – was attended by 108 people at the Mansefield Hotel on Thursday, January 25.
Gordonstoun School pipers piped in the top table and the haggis and played a couple of sets in the hall.
In the absence of president Alistair Campbell, who was unwell, vice president Neil Urquhart said introductory words before the haggis was addressed by Louise Petrie – the first woman to address the haggis at Elgin Burns Club.
Anthony Layden CMG toasted to the Land we Live In with Michael Urquhart CBE replying to the toast, before The Immortal Memory was delivered by Ian Farrell from Logangate Burns Club,
Secretary David McConachie, in his first year in the role, said: "It was a very busy run-up to the night and I'm glad everything went well on the evening.
"Gordonstoun Pipe Band were a credit to their school. Them and the speakers were outstanding.
"We got more than 100 guests, which is the main thing. It's challenging on a midweek evening – next year is a Friday and they tend to sell well.
"The Mansefield Hotel did a great job once again. It was well-organised, the meal was excellent. All members enjoyed every aspect."
David, born and bred in Elgin, has been a member of Elgin Burns Club since the late 1990s.
He is delighted to see the club continue to move from strength to strength and praised Louise Petrie for her addressing of the haggis.
David added: "Louise did a tremendous job considering this was her first major event and provided a lovely rendition.
"We have an ever-growing ladies contingent and it was especially nice to see Louise addressing the haggis.
"There were quite a few members who couldn't attend due to illness so we had a lot of new members. This will hopefully blossom for next year and we'll get a larger attendance to help with the financial commitment."
Further entertainment and songs were provided by former president Donald Lunan and his band Whiskers Galore.
