For Auld Lang Syne

Dundee rediscovered it’s Scottish heritage with the hosting of 'Burns Night' to honour the birth in 1759 of Scotland's greatest poet, Robbie Burns.
'Birn's Nichts' are commonplace in the Western world. Dundee, South Africa, has not hosted one for some time, but Pam McFadden and her team at Talana Museum put on a night to remember on January 25.
Guests, many dressed in kilts, took their seats in the hall after being led in by young piper, David Wait - a nephew of Pam's.
Tartan imagery was everywhere and the menu was decidedly Celtic with, of course, haggis, taking centre court along with tatties, neeps and peas, Scottish whisky trifle and guess what - Dundee cake, of course!
The highlight was the piping in of a steaming haggis - which is really just a sheep's stomach containing liver, intestines and other tripe.
But the tradition adds to the taste. Paul Garner did a magnificent Robbie Burns version of addressing the haggis that ended with him stabbing the 'poor beastie' with a dirk (dagger).
Pat Rundgren performed an entertaining if not 'eclectic' toast to the haggis after which the guests, who included several tourists, tucked in. There is no doubt that Burns Night may just become yet another red-letter day on the calendar.
Just a pity that Dundee's own Robert Burns - senior and junior - were not there…Actor and tour guide, Paul Garner, brought the house down with his entertaining ‘Dundee’ version of addressing the much-vaunted haggis.