Back in August, the Hammermen of the Royal Burgh and City of Stirling held their annual Burns Supper to commemorate his visit to Stirling.

Deacon Andrew McEwan welcomed the guests. The pipers Douglas Lawson and Shauna Shand piped in the haggis. Clerk to the Deacon Ken Johnstone said grace and Sandy Anderson then delivered the Address to the Haggis in his own inimitable style.

Scottish Musical interludes were beautifully sung by Adele Corns. The immortal memory provided by Jan Dobson a former Glasgow Hammermen and former Deacon of the Barbers in Glasgow took an unusual but fascinating look at his health issues over his lifetime and what may have caused his untimely death. Unfortunately, we heard that many of his health issues would have been cured by modern medicines.

The Hammermen’s own David Sibbald then gave his unique rendition of Tam O’ Shanter referencing the famous paintings of Alexander Goudie, whose collection is now held at Rozelle House Galleries, Ayr.

The Toast to the City of Stirling was given by the resident Poet at the Smith Museum Dr John Coutts. John wrote a poem in Scots and in the style of Burns. It was witty and particularly well received as it was full of references to the Hammermen. The Poem can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Burns Toast to the Hammermen of Stirling by John Coutts

Another musical interlude was followed by a Scottish poem about Sandy Par composed by David Sibbald.

A final song and communal rendition of Scot Wae Hae was followed by a vote of thanks by Bailie Robin Mair thanking all participants for a great evening and the Hotel for the meal and service.