On Monday 24th January The Tower Singing Circle celebrated the songs, poetry and music of Scotland’s poet Robert Burns.The Donabate/ Portrane peninsula has quite a few residents who are from Scotland and we welcomed them to join us in our celebration.Local piper Mick McNamara started off the celebrations with a rousing “Scotland the Brave” and this was followed by the traditional “Address to the Haggis”. Janey Wylie wielded her knife with great gusto as she said“An’ cut ye up wi’ ready slight,Trenching your gushing entrails bright,” to loud applause.Anne Condon read “The Selkirk Grace” and “To the Immortal Memory” was given by Hugh Carroll who read “The Birl for Burns” by Seamus Heaney. Former Portrane resident but now living in Calgary, Canada, Sean Buckley, gave a very complimentary “Toast to the Lassies” and Eilish McDermott gave a less than complimentary “Reply to the Toast to the Lassies” We were joined by our guests for the evening - Angela and Jack Plunkett. Originally from Glasgow, Angela and Jack have a huge repertoire of songs.We were delighted to welcome Emily Peart full time Highland Dance Tutor from the Sollus School of Highland Dance based in the Sollus Centre in the village of Bready just 7 miles from Derry. Emily performed the Highland Fling.Margaret Godwin introduced members of The Tower Singing Singers and visitors who sang a variety of Burns and Scottish songs.