January 25th, Burns Night.

I somehow imagine it was on just such a night as this that the Bard was born in 1759 in that tiny Alloway cottage.   In Fair Isle in 2002 the wind blew strongly from the east driving wet snow before it, snow that was widespread all over the north of Scotland, causing many Burns Night cancellations.   I must admit the idea of an evening by the fire momentarily appealed but was quickly dismissed, and off we set.   How glad I am, for we had a great night with a wonderful variety of entertainment, all in aid of "Classic Fair Isle".

 

Ian Morrison's thrilling piping in of the haggis set the scene and Bill Murray's vivid Address to the "great chieftain o' the puddin' race" whetted appetites for the less conventional oatmeal pudding as well as the traditional haggis with neeps and tatties - what a succulent and tasty combination that is - with oatcakes and cheese plus shortbread and hot drinks to finish.   Then, the raffle tickets sold and the younger bairns departed for games in the schoolroom, we older folk settled back - very replete! - for some great and varied entertainment.

The opening medley of Burns songs on the pipes was just super - did you see that fingerwork?!   Ian Morrison provides a new and welcome dimension to our local musicianship.    Stewart from Quoy then proposed the toast to "Fair Isle", where every resident - both new and of long standing - has a contribution to make to our vibrant community.   A poignant unaccompanied "Song Composed in August" from Lise Sinclair was next: not well-known but very moving in a traditional folksong style.   Margo Murray's reading of " Man's a Man for A' That" was quite excellent.   I could listen to her sensitive rendition of the classic and best-loved Burns many times.   She was followed by Neil Thomson and his gently lilting guitar solo "Ca' the Yowes tae the Knowes".   Stewart Wilson then posed the thought-provoking question "Does Burns deserve his reputation as Scotland's Bard?"   He answered by giving us quotations from Burns's poetry - both well-known and less "weel-kent" - which illustrate the latter's succinct way with words and the many facets of this complex personality.   He even gave us a few less-than-happy lines also written by the great man before proposing a rousing toast to "The Immortal Memory".

The choir, which had earlier sung "We ha' Mickle a Do" to welcome everyone, now gave us "Flow gently sweet Afton" as a relaxing interlude before John Best's delightful and witty toast to "The Lassies", to which Jessie McCaffrey ably replied with an amusing anecdote and some delightful local touches.   Anne Sinclair followed with "A Slave's Lament" and the highlight of the evening for me was her duet with daughter Lise of "Green Grow the Rashes":  it's such a lovely tune and the voices blended so beautifully.

The wind howled round the Hall most appropriately, rain lashing at the windows, as Jimmy Stout finally gave us "Tam o' Shanter".   It's clear he just loves the poem for he relates it so expressively, lingering over the scenes Burns  vividly describes:  the harridan Kate sitting at home waiting for her boozy husband "nursing her wrath to keep it warm", and the final pursuit by the witches and warlocks of Tam on his faithful old horse Meg, she sacrificing her tail in a last desperate effort to carry her drunken master to safety over the keystone of the brig.

With the children back, a satisfyingly wide distribution of raffle prizes was followed by some enthusiastic dancing to round off a most enjoyable evening.   There are so very many people to praise for their behind-the-scenes contribution to its smooth running, as well as the "star performers":  organisers, cooks, washers-up, child-entertainers, tidiers-up, etc.   Thank you all.   A night to remember!

The rest of my week seems to have been little more than all the regular chores accompanied by rain and strong winds.   The ground is completely waterlogged.   There have been very occasional glimpses of the sun but also a little snow and hail.   Tuesday's boat sailing had to be postponed when an exceptionally high tide, combined with a tremendous swell meant, I'm told, that the new pier was completely submerged and breaking seas were reaching half-way up the side of the "Good Shepherd", even drawn up in her noost!   However, the crew managed to make a run to Shetland later on Wednesday and we're now all stocked up again and prepared for the next exceptional low which, we're told, is going to batter us on Friday and Saturday.  However, at least we enjoyed one lovely sunny and quiet "day between weathers" on Thursday and its cheering to notice how the days are lengthening!

                                                                                                                JANE

Ian Morrison