The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve duly held their Burns Supper at the Ponte Romana restaurant in Silves on Saturday 24 January. According to Society Chieftain Doug McAdam “The Supper was a resounding success with over 100 participants”.
As usual bagpiper Malcolm MacGillivray got the evening off to a scintillating start by welcoming guests outside the restaurant. Guests enjoyed a glass or two of excellent Terras do Demo bubbly, arranged by Joaquim Tinoco of Catuna & Silva and donated by Tavora Varosa Agricultural Co-operative.
The restaurant has been used for this event for many years and is now well practised in preparing and serving the traditional haggis, tatties with the neeps this year once again kindly provided by Stewarts of Tayside.
he haggis was addressed by Chieftain Doug McAdam after it had been piped in and a dram offered to the piper and accompanying “kilties” with Grant’s whisky sponsored for the evening by their distributors Prime Drinks.
After the main speech - the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns by Vice Chieftain Rod Frew - the Toast to the Lassies was made by David Butler-Cole and the more than adequate response on behalf of the lassies was made by his wife, Sue Butler-Cole. Somehow a husband/wife combination always adds a little spice to these jousts!
The assembled company then partook of lively and enthusiastic Scottish dancing – which included an Eightsome Reel piped heartily by Malcolm MacGillivray – and the proceedings were brought to a close with ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Anyone interested in knowing more about the Society – no need to be Scots – should ring Chieftain Doug McAdam on 935 577362 or Kathy Prentice on 919 635246.
And if you would like to give Scottish dancing a try why not speak to Mardie Cunningham, who runs the dancing at the International School in Porches on Monday evenings from 19:30-21:30? Her number is 282 356 029.
