Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation and guests celebrate Burns Night at the James Milne Institute, Findhorn
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CREW members of a life-saving local charity invited the community to celebrate a national hero on Saturday night.
Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) and 100 guests celebrated the life and poetry of Rabbie Burns at supper in a tartan-clad James Milne Institute, Findhorn, with tables laid by Shona Darnley of Aye Do Events.
The evening started with a welcome from MIRO chairman, John Low, who thanked raffle prize donors including Johnstons of Elgin, the Macallan distillery, the Crown and Anchor, the Kimberley, Maclean’s Highland Bakery and individual MIRO supporters.
"I would like to especially thank The Robertson Trust and Edrington," he said. "They generously double-matched funds raised at last year’s Burns supper.
"This year, The Macallan are celebrating their 200th anniversary and, to mark this special achievement, The Robertson Trust and Edrington are treble matching every pound we raise at the 2024 Burns supper."
Bill Symon was given a standing ovation as he piped in the haggis.
Mr Low then gave a rousing address to the haggis before a three course dinner was served by Donnie Macleod Catering.
'The Immortal Memory' was delivered by Steve Smith, a Forres loon recently moved back to the area.
Findhorn’s resident Burns expert Frank Allan, in the guise of The Bard, toasted the lassies and university lecturer Sue Taylor gave an entertaining reply to the laddies.
The evening was rounded off with a raffle, after which everyone sang 'Auld Lang Syne'.
MIRO volunteers responded to 28 emergency call outs in 2023. Rescues included assisting sailors, swimmers, kayakers, kite surfers, paddle boarders and animals in difficulty.
MIRO relies solely on donations to deliver its lifesaving service.
Mr Low finished: "I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this year’s MIRO Burns supper another resounding success.
"Several folk have already asked to reserve tickets for next year so I am giving advance warning to put Saturday, January 25 in the diary! The hall, piper and caterers are already booked!”
For more information contact MIRO director Susan Leslie on 07967329617, visit www.morayinshorerescue.org or the MIRO Facebook page.
