A capacity crowd joined the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band in celebrating the 30th annual Robbie Burns Supper at the Kincardine Legion, Saturday night.
About 125 people, including band members, gathered for some delicious food and great entertainment.
On hand, in full Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band regalia, was long-time piper Keith Davidson who received a warm welcome from all and sundry.
Piper Jeff Hall opened the evening by playing the Piper's Welcome, and band president John McManus welcomed everyone to the supper.
Brenda Colquhoun piped in the haggis, carried by Braven Jolley, and Scott Duncan gave the Address to the Haggis. Lisa Moore read the Selkirk Grace and the crowd enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner, complete with haggis.
Following the meal, Debbie Deckert offered the Immortal Memory of Robbie Burns.
"Tonight, we celebrate the legacy of Robbie Burns," she said. "He was often referred to as the 'plowman's poet.' However, his poetry was published in 50 languages and there are many statues to honour him, only superseded by Christopher Columbus and Queen Victoria."
Deckert said Burns was born Jan. 25, 1759, the eldest son of a poor farmer, who worked the land but had a good education which was important to his family.
"He wrote poetry to break the monotony of farming," said Deckert. "Burns loved women a lot; in fact, he loved a lot of women a lot. His many songs and poems were inspired by love."
She said that during the great Scottish enlightenment, when others embraced English, Burns continued to write in his Scottish language.
While he was known for his poetry, wine, women and song, Burns was also well-known for his contradictions, said Deckert.
"He was a fierce champion for equality and justice, but he was also the administrator of a slave plantation; he championed the rights of women but did not treat them well, himself; he was a great conversationalist but his drunken behaviour was disgusting."
Despite his flaws, Burns left an amazing legacy of friendship, fellowship and love, said Deckert, raising a toast to the great Scottish bard.
Sid Duggan gave the Toast to the Lassies in poem form, offering an ode to the ladies whom Burns loved and there were many.
His wife, Jaki Mayer Duggan, gave the Reply from the Lassies, also in poem form. She noted that behind every great man, you'll find a woman telling him what to do.
"But where would we be without our knights in shining armour?" she asked. "All joking aside, we love them all. And if truth be told, I have to say, we'd not have things any other way. Here's to the laddies."
The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band played four songs and urged the crowd to Name That Tune.
Piper Denis Bilyard gave a solo performance, and Curtis McEwan sang a number of Scottish songs, accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica, followed by a second set by the Kincardine Scottish.
The evening ended with a Toonie Toss for those who wanted to take home some of the extra haggis.
The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band performs at the 30th annual Robbie Burns Supper, Saturday night, at the Kincardine Legion
January 25, 2026
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