PW_2_2021

Article

Virtual Burns Supper Yvonne and David McGregor , Tayside Branch During these unprecedented times, where IPA members have not been able to meet, friendship has continued by virtual means. Early in January I received an unexpected email from Ewan McIlwraith, the owner of Robertson’s of Pitlochry, inviting David and I to participate in a Virtual Burns Supper. E wan had linked up with the local Pitlochry Butcher , Rory MacDonald, and a local musical duo to create an evening of entertainment. Ewan is an experienced Whisky judge, and has attended our annual Ceilidh Weekends to host the Whisky and Gin Tastings. He also sourced the whisky miniatures for the NCM 2018, the original IPA Anniversary Whisky, and the 70th Anniversary Whisky and Ale.

The Selkirk Grace

The whisky tasters

The evening commenced with Ewan appearing in evening dress and Rory in Highland dress. Ewan invited us to pour our first Whisky, and he gave a very informative talk about how to make the most of enjoying it through ‘nosing’ and the art of tasting. This was followed by a dramatic pre-recorded journey of Rory leaving his butchers shop, accompanied by Piper Ross McNaughton. Their journey continued to the skirl of the pipes, with various costume changes depicting Burns poems. The haggis ended its virtual journey on a silver salver to the dining room, where Rory, in full Highland regalia, enthusiastically addressed it. David enjoyed the second whisky tasting, while I nipped to the kitchen to serve our meal. Prior to commencing the meal, Rory delivered the Selkirk Grace. This was followed by an interval so that we could enjoy our meal, and listen to the excellent rendition of Burns songs by the musical duo. After dinner, the final whisky tasting took place and the shortbread added to our enjoyment. To end the night we had a fantastic rendition of Tam O’Shanter by Finlay McIntyre, whose wife Gillian, made the shortbread. It wasn’t the same as being at the Gala Dinner in Kingussie, but it was the safest and next best thing we could do. Hopefully we will be able to arrange a real one again in January 2022, at a different location, if health and Covid permit.

David and I decided we would invite our Ceilidh Weekend friends to join us for the Burns Night, and the link was circulated to order the Haggis, Tatties, Neeps and three excellent Whiskies. A couple of days prior to the event our food parcel was delivered. There was enough food to feed an army, along with cooking instructions and some local handmade shortbread. Most important, for David, were the three drams. As well as the Tasting Notes for the Whisky, there was a programme for the evening and a history of Burns Night. We had International friends from Germany, Sweden and USA participating, and it was great to see that some had made their own haggis in order that their evening was as authentic as possible (Unfortunately, due to customs restrictions, the food and drink could not be shipped abroad). When the night arrived, it was great to see photographs on Facebook of our IPA friends preparing for the evening, with some dressing up in tartan for the occasion.

Ewan McIlwraith

Rory MacDonald with his haggis

International Secretary General, May-Britt Ronnebro, from Sweden with her IPA Tartan kilt and her home made haggis.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.2, 2021