On Tuesday, 21st January, the Worshipful Company of Distillers, along with 4 other Livery Companies; the HR Professionals, the Painter Stainers, the Master Mariners, and the Scriveners, celebrated Burn’s Night at Vintners’ Hall. Black Tie was the dress code, but much Highland tartan was evident – and not every tie was black!
Upstairs there was an opening reception, followed by the Dinner in the main Hall, and, of course, the starter was Haggis with Neeps and Tatties served with Whisky Gravy. This was preceded by perhaps the most theatrical addressing of the Haggis I have hitherto witnessed in my life: our Clerk, James Bryan, and his wife Karen, who is Clerk to the HR Professionals, put on a Hibernian / Albion double act – one addressing the Haggis with a broad Scots accent, the other offering a “translation”, with ever increasing costume embellishments featuring the Saltire and the Cross of St George. It was certainly the highlight of the evening.
The loyal toasts were given by 3 of the Masters, followed by the speeches: “The Immortal Memory” given by Dr Alan Walker who is quite evidently a Burns scholar, the Toast to the Lassies given by Mr Paul Williams, Master Scrivener, and the final Response from the Lassies by Ms Lisa Harrison.
The Hall was filled to capacity, and members of the 5 companies were dispersed amongst one another to further the Fellowship of the Livery movement. Our Assistant Clerk, Bill Collier, acted as Beadle, most capably.
Lorne Mackillop
Immediate Past Master
