On the evening of Friday 24th January, parents, teachers and alumni joined together to celebrate our annual legendary Burns Night Supper, hosted by Head, Alexandra Haydon and our Sloane Square Parents’ Association.

Festivities began with a champagne and canapé reception in the Senior Hall, beautifully decorated with tartan runners, pine cones and branches, thistle and roses and many Scottish related artifacts, whilst accompanied by music on the Clarsach (Celtic Harp).  Taking pride of place was our first ever whisky tasting sponsored by Jeroboams, which was thoroughly enjoyed by attendees. As guests took their seats, the haggis was piped into the hall by professional bagpiper, Millie Scott and the traditional address was delivered with panache by Development Director, Tom Robertson followed by a touching Selkirk Grace from Chair of the Parents’ Association, David Sweeney.

Thereafter guests listened avidly to a moving account from Miss Lucinda James and Mika Bianchi of their visit to the Mvumi School, our partner school in Tanzania and the recipient of any proceeds from this year’s Burns Night.

Attendees enjoyed a sumptuous traditional meal consisting of starters of Scottish delicacies including Scottish smoked salmon, tattie scones, followed by haggis and clapshot stack, raspberry cranachan, Scottish cheeses and tablet, and accompanied by delicious wines and fine Campbeltown Glen Scotia Whisky.  Ten Year 12 pupils supported the catering department as waiters and hosts in a very professional manner.

Following dinner, the hall was entertained by Year 12 pupils Bea on vocals and Iona on violin, performing Burns’ famous love song, Ae Fond Kiss, accompanied by Clarsach. Mrs Haydon then delivered a poignant yet hilarious address to Burns’ Immortal Memory before parents, teachers and Year 12 pupils enjoyed two hours of fast-paced reeling and revelry accompanied by the Frank Reid Band. As is tradition, the evening came to a close with a spirited rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Thanks are extended to the Parents’ Association Burns Night Committee for organising the event, along with Jeroboams for their Whisky Tasting and also to our fabulous Catering, Facilities, Development and Operations Teams.

Jo Hamlyn, Sloane Square Parents’ Association Head of Charity