Simpson PS Burns Supper

Feb 4 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

SPECIAL celebrations were held at a Bathgate school to mark the birthday of Scotland’s Bard.

Simpson Primary in Wester Inch, Bathgate, held its first ever Burns Supper and the evening was hailed as a huge success among parents, staff and the community.

The two-hour event saw guests including education officer Jan Ingram and residents of Meadowvale Care Home treated to a recitation of ‘The Immortal Memory’ and an excellent insight to Burns’ life, written and read by P7 pupil Hannah Malcolm.

Traditional poem, ‘Selkirk Grace’, was then recited by P6 pupil Grace Weir.

The haggis, neeps and tatties were prepared by Food Creations proprietor Simon Preece and all 160 guests were served by the P6/7 pupils.

The after-dinner entertainment consisted of a dramatic performance of ‘Tam O’Shanter’ by pupils, with special lighting and sound effects, the recital of further Burns’ poetry and a selection of ceilidh dances in the school hall.

The most memorable part of the night, however, was the ‘Toast tae the Lassies’ and ‘The Reply to the Laddies’ – both written and performed by the pupils themselves.

A spokeswoman for the school said she was pleased by the evening’s success and thanked everyone who had given it their support.

She said: “Simpson Primary would like to thank Scott-Ceilidh Band and Drew Caldwell and Neil Clark from the Piping and Drumming Trail for their fantastic musical talents during the Burns Supper and for all guests who managed to join us to celebrate this event.”