75 guests joined us for our 10th annual Burns Night celebration in Prague.

We thought after last year that it couldn’t get better... Wrong.

We followed nearly the traditional format. Following The Gathering (yes, whisky glasses handed to guests as they arrived to get engines started!), Master of Ceremonies Gordon Howell welcomed Friends of Scotland chairman Václav Rout who officially started the evening with the Selkirk Grace.

Palffy Palac did themselves proud, with a brilliant cock-a-leekie soup starter; followed by a very classy haggis, neeps and tatties. The main course was a succulent lamb, and we finished with the Scottish classic Cranachan. (See our recipes page!) Not only are they one of the best & most romantic restaurants in Prague, based on the dinner, they all have some Celtic blood in them! See photo of proprietor Roman Řezníček with the huge plate of haggis (pictured)!

Speaking of Haggis, the piping in thereof was a joy, led by pipe Vaclav, Master-at-arms Patrick Crawley, and we were treated to TWO addresses to the Haggis: first in traditional Scots from the haggis chef, Shetland fiddler Alastair Edwards; and then in a brilliant Czech rendition by actor Jiři Knot.

Organiser Jana Hrstková arranged for several recitations, including Czech and English versions of “To A Fieldmouse" by Lucie Bultova & Jonathan Weinberg ; and Jiři Knot. gave us a few other Czech renditions!

We were honoured by the presence of Her Majesty’s vice-ambassador Tim Voase and partner Nia; who presented the loyal toast.

Trevor Smith did an “English” (as opposed to Scots) of Rabbies’ epic hilarious poem, Tam O’Shanter. To help it all along (ably assisted by Highland Park!), Gordon pantomimed out the key scenes...

Closing the formal speeches were Australian Chris Moore with his somewhat ribald toast to the Lassies (which we have become accustomed to!) with his wife Josefine giving the saucy reply.

Deviating from the norm, our events always feature some fund raising for charity. Our ‘adopted’ charity is Adopce na dálku; helping children in Africa. After much whisky and wheedling by auctioneer Gordon, we were delighted to raise 23,000 Kč (about €900    ) for the cause.

Well done everyone! Thanks to donors Remy Cointreau, Václav Rout, Linda Štucbartová, Vcelarstvi Kaufner The 12 Men of Tyn(e) Single Malt Whisky Club, Nakladatelstvi Arsci ,Gordon Howell, Jana Hrstoka and Pole Position Travel.  The money went to pay for our three “kids” education for another year.

We finished the night and into the wee hours under the Celtic melodies of Alastair and his band.  Much dancing (or some approximation thereof) ensued. Those not dancing (and many who were, apparently! :-)  had the opportunity to sample the delightful single malts, both the Highland Park and some other special bottles brought in by Vašek & Gordon.

Hope to see you next year for auld lang syne!