Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns is still celebrated for his poetry and music more than 220 years after his death at age 37. The Lincoln Scottish Rite celebrated the Ploughman Poet on January 26th with the annual Burns Night dinner.

The evening was sponsored by the Lincoln Knights of St. Andrew, who welcomed 96 guests for a great evening on Saturday, January 26th.

After a welcome by our emcee, Don Albrecht, 32°, Ed Bennett, 32° gave the Selkirk Grace and invocation. Under an arch of steel, bagpiper Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn, piped in the Knights of St. Andrew, who then proceeded into the dining room with the guest of honor - the haggis!

Ed read Burns immortal Ode to a Haggis, with Andy Seachord, 32° Knight Master of the KSA stabbing the “Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race”.

Bob and Jennifer Kruse catered, serving grilled steaks, peas and tatties in a white cream sauce, followed by Scottish iced cranachan, a wonderful dessert made by Joni Bennett, made with heavy cream, flavored with honey and whiskey, and drizzled with raspberry sauce and toasted oats.

Guests purchased raffle tickets for great items including Scottish shortbread, teas, wines, chocolates, jams and jellies which raised $615 for the RiteCare Speech and Language Clinic at the UNL ley Memorial Center.

The traditional Toast to the Lassies was given by Ward Shire’s grandson Max Wanser. Not to be outdone, the Reply to the Laddies was given by Mike Lagueux’s granddaughter Shelby Lagueux.

After several more traditional Scottish songs, Those Two led the guests in singing The Parting Glass to close out a great evening.

Next year’s Burns Dinner will be on January 25, 2020.