On January 24, 2020, the Lochaneil Society of Kenora held its 36^th Annual Burns Supper in commemoration of the 261^st anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the Ploughman Poet of Scotland. The event was held at the Old Armouries with a good crowd of Scots and would-be Scots in attendance.

The Kenora Scottish were well represented at the event with Pipe-Sergeant Cecil Burns piping in the haggis, piper Stephen Mitchell giving the Toast to the Immortal Memory (read a transcript later in this newsletter) and bass drummer Jay Whetter receiving the prize for the best recitation of a piece of Burns’ verse.

The assembled members were treated to a lovely repast which included generous portions of haggis, neeps and tatties as well as roast beef, chicken, vegetables, salad and dessert. There may have also been a dram or two of good single malt whisky to be had.

In addition to the recitations, jokes, poems and stories told by the attendees, the crowd was treated to 3 sets of bagpipe tunes performed by former Kenora Scottish Pipe-Major and current Pipe-Major of the Winnipeg St. Andrews Pipe Band, Wes Sheppard. The first 2 sets were medleys of various traditional and modern pipe tunes but the highlight of the performance was a most touching rendition of Amazing Grace to end the show. Wes received a well-deserved standing ovation.

The Lochaneil Society has a varied membership of individuals from the area and the region and has always been very supportive of the Kenora Scottish Pipes and Drums.

(Submitted by Cecil Burns)