Many wee drams o’ Scotch whisky washed down uncounted haggis across the city last night as those of Scottish descent, and more who wished they were, celebrated Robert Burns’ 250th birthday.
Even though Burns was a lowlander, the Highlander Pub on Rideau Street served up dramatic recitations of the Scottish poet’s writings, including the oft-quoted Address to a Haggis, along with bagpipe music and entrees of the traditional offal-stuffed sheep’s stomach.
“It’s a poor man’s pate,” said Highlander manager Ken Goodhue. “It’s coarse ground. You have to like offal.”
Goodhue’s favourite Burns poem is Scots wha hae, a nationalist ditty that was set to music and served for a long time as an unofficial anthem to those who wanted Scottish freedom.
“At the time he wrote his nationalist poetry, it was against the law to wear a kilt,” said Goodhue, describing the poet’s life as “fast and furious.” Burns died in 1796 at age 37.
Those who missed the party can sample haggis any time, since it’s on the Highlander menu.
