A BURNS Night celebration was held by the South Dorset Caledonian Society.

The society held its 80th anniversary Burns Dinner at the Hotel Rembrandt in Weymouth.

The president, Janette Martindill, welcomed guests at the start of the meal, the Selkirk Grace being given by David Hardie.

Immediate Past-President, Frank Tough, delivered the Address to the Haggis, after being piped in by Piper John McLean.

At intervals during the meal, a recitation of one of Burns’ best known poems, Tam O’ Shanter, was delivered by members of the Society’s Burns Appreciation Group.

Jean Percy proposed the Toast to the Immortal Memory, and Terry and Rita Holliday proposed the Toasts to the Lasses and Lads.

After the traditional Burns Supper, Amanda Gallaher, accompanied by Sue Pykett, sang a selection of the Bard’s songs, followed by a special presentation of a piece of music, written by Sue, inspired by the Burns poem, The Humble Petition of Bruar Water to the Noble Duke of Atholl.

During the performance, a backing screen showed a series of beautiful photographs of the Falls of Bruar, on the Atholl Estate.

At the end of the traditional Burns Supper, the President proposed a Toast to the Guests and also thanked the staff of the Rembrandt for producing a very enjoyable meal in a grand setting, the Chesham Suite having been recently refurbished to a very high standard.

The evening rounded off with some modern and traditional dancing to the music of John Hickman, a raffle in aid of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, and finally, all gathered to sing Auld Lang Syne, before Piper John McLean led everyone in a rousing rendition of O Flower of Scotland.