The Chronicles of St. Olaf: The Legendary Burns Supper of 2024
The 25th day of January in the year 2024 dawned cold and clear over Cruden Bay, a fitting backdrop for the gathering of the Brethren and friends of Lodge St. Olaf 1188. They had assembled for a purpose most noble: to honor the birth of Scotland’s bard and brother Mason, Robert Burns, with an evening that would soon enter the annals of Lodge history as a night of unparalleled merriment, fellowship, and generosity.
In the great hall of the Lodge, the air was thick with anticipation, the scent of haggis and whisky mingling with the sound of laughter and the hum of Corry Sutherland’s bagpipes warming in the corner. Trevor the Worshipful presided over the evening, resplendent in his regalia, his presence a beacon of calm authority amid the growing buzz of excitement.
As the first notes of the pipes filled the room, summoning all to their places, the evening began—a celebration not only of Burns himself but of the enduring spirit of fraternity and camaraderie that has ever been the hallmark of Lodge St. Olaf.
The Gathering of the Clans
With a flourish of tartan and the rumble of applause, Corry Sutherland stepped forward to deliver the opening drone of the pipes. The haunting melody stirred the souls of the assembled company, calling them to attention as Trevor the Worshipful rose to extend his welcome.
“Brethren, friends, and kindred spirits,” Trevor began, his voice carrying with the weight of the occasion, “tonight, we gather not only to honor our bard but to celebrate the fellowship that makes this Lodge what it is—an unbroken chain of brotherhood that stretches back through the ages.”
With that, he yielded the floor to the evening’s croupier, Gordon Mackay, who would guide them through a program as finely tuned as a Stradivarius. Gordon, ever the showman, infused the proceedings with his signature wit and charm, promising a night of “grand fare, even grander performances, and just enough whisky to keep your cheeks rosy and your voices strong.”
The Feast and the Fellowship
The first half of the evening unfolded with a seamless grace that spoke to the meticulous planning of the brethren. The Selkirk Grace was delivered by Jim Connor, his heartfelt words setting the tone for the feast to come. And what a feast it was!
To the skirl of the pipes, the Haggis made its grand entrance, borne aloft like a king returning to his court. Gordon Mackay, in full theatrical mode, addressed the Haggis with a fervor that would have made Burns himself shed a tear. As he wielded his dirk and declaimed the immortal words, the room erupted into cheers, the assembled guests swept up in the sheer joy of the moment.
The meal itself was a triumph. Plates piled high with haggis, neeps, and tatties were served with whisky sauce so rich it could have served as currency. For dessert, the brethren and their better halves outdid themselves, presenting pavlovas and sticky toffee puddings that disappeared faster than a dram of Glenlivet at the bar.
An Evening of Superlative Entertainment
With bellies full and spirits high, the company turned to the evening’s entertainment. The second half began with Gordon Mackay once again taking center stage, this time to deliver a rendition of Tam O’ Shanter so vivid that the very walls of the Lodge seemed to echo with the sound of Tam’s frantic gallop across Brig o’ Doon.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the performances of 3rd Degree Burns—a quartet of local legends (Gordon, Davie, Brian, and Sandy) whose musical prowess and comedic timing left the audience in stitches. Their songs, equal parts raucous and heartfelt, captured the essence of Burns’s own wit and wisdom.
Other highlights included Phipsy’s Toast ‘Tae The Lassies’, Mark Dunn’s chilling recitation of Stumpie’s Brae, which left the room in hushed awe, and Barrie Harper’s Immortal Memory, a toast that was as eloquent as it was moving. Together, they paid homage to the Bard and the timeless truths he expressed through his works.
The evening also included a poignant tribute to the late Kenny Davidson, with Mark Dunn and others reading selections of his works. The room erupted with raucous laughter as Kenny’s words, brought to life once more, reminded all of the enduring power of storytelling and the legacy of those who had gone before.
A Night to Remember
The evening concluded with a stirring vote of thanks from Doug Sheal, who lauded the efforts of all who had contributed to the success of the night. “This,” he declared, “is what the spirit of St. Olaf is all about: hard work, good company, and the willingness to raise a glass in celebration of the things that matter most.”
With that, the entire company rose to their feet for a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne, their voices filling the room and spilling out into the night, a beacon of fellowship to all who could hear.
The Legacy of the 2024 Burns Supper
The evening raised a remarkable £1,000 for Lodge funds, but its impact went far beyond the financial. It was a night of laughter and song, of haggis and whisky, of friendship and fraternity. And as Trevor the Worshipful looked out over the sea of smiling faces, he knew that the spirit of Burns—the spirit of brotherhood and humanity—was alive and well in the hearts of Lodge St. Olaf.
And so, the tale of the legendary Burns Supper of 2024 was added to the ever-growing tapestry of St. Olaf lore, a shining example of what could be achieved when good men come together for a common purpose.
The End… For Now.
