At midnight on the last day of the year, people all over the world gather and join hands to welcome the new year with the traditional rendition of “Auld Lange Syne” and in doing so, pay tribute to spirit of fellowship in a song written by Robert Burns.

Join the Scots of West Valley (SWV) on Friday January 25 at the Briarwood Country Club Sun City West for the Burns Supper, the traditional annual celebratory tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796).

Held all over the world and celebrated on, or about, the Bard's birthday, January 25th, Burns Suppers range from formal gatherings of esthetes and scholars to the most uproariously informal of festivities. Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating Scotland’s best loved bard. The tribute begins when the SWV President invites the members to receive the haggis that is formally piped in by a bagpiper.

The Scots of West Valley Burns Supper adheres to the time honored traditional form which includes the traditional taste of the famous Haggis, and the recitation of works by, about, and in the spirit of the Bard including the recitation of the famous “To A Haggis.” The highlights of the festivities include

The Immortal Memory A short speech on Burns and his contributions to the world of literature and to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today. Toast To The Lassies The main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally, this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in Burns' life. The Lassies Response The lasses respond with fun and humor to detail men's foibles.

Traditional Scottish entertainment will be provided by the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, the premier pipe band in Arizona that has earned national and international competitive prizes

The Burns Supper Program offers a no host bar at 5pm followed by the traditional Scottish meal and entertainment. For reservations or more information contact Burns Supper Chair Karen Murdoch 602-944-5639. Members and guests are encouraged to wear their Scottish attire and tartans or black tie. The evening culminates with the guests standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne – the final tribute to Robert Burns!

The Scots of the West Valley is a non-profit social and philanthropic organization providing fellowship for people of Scottish birth or ancestry who are interested in programs and events that focus on their Scottish heritage, culture and traditions