Scots come together to celebrate Burns Night
Bagpipes filled the concourse at Beau Sejour on Saturday as the Guernsey Scottish Association celebrated its 66th Burns Night event in the island.
Almost 200 Scots, friends and family attended to honour poet and lyricist Robert Burns, later taking to the floor for some ceilidh dancing.
The GSA was founded after the Occupation for Scots who came to work in Guernsey and for islanders who developed links with Scotland through the armed forced or who were evacuated the Scotland.
South African Johan Smith embraced his Scottish heritage by attending the event.
He has lived in the island with his wife Laenese for a year-and-a-half.
His great-grandparents were Scottish and he said he had fallen in love with the Scottish culture, and even has a tattoo based on the Celtic tree of life.
‘I love the friendliness of the people, the countryside – and the scallops,’ he said.
‘Scotland has a massive history with the clans, it’s all very interesting to me.’
His son has followed in his footsteps and also embraces the family’s heritage.
Valerie Scowen has lived in the island for 38 years, and having moved from Scotland to work in Guernsey’s hospitality industry.
‘I’ve lost both of my parents so I’m wearing the Bruce tartan tonight, as my family are descendants of Robert Bruce,’ she said.
‘Me wearing this represents my heritage and for my parents.’
Freda Smart was visiting the island from Stirling, where her daughter lives.
‘Burns night is important for us all, but it falls on my birthday, so it’s always been a big celebration,’ she said.
She turned 75 on Burns Night on 25 January and was given a special shout out at the dinner.
