An Island Burns Supper

Last night was great fun. After our showers we had one of the hill-walking club's famous communal meals and given the time of year it was a Burns Supper. A lovely vegetable soup started the meal, followed by traditional haggis, neeps and tatties. Then we had clootie dumpling with a choice of custard or locally purchased Zavaroni's ice cream. Many Scottish drinks were imbibed, especially a variety of whiskies. James and my contribution was the cheese course, which I had chosen from M&S and we served it with biscuits and grapes. The highlight of the evening was Tam O'Shanter, recited by Steven's friend Michael, whom he had specially invited because of his knowledge of Burns' work. When Michael recited the poem we were all absolutely spellbound. I have never heard it so well told; he really brought it to life. I had never realised how horrific the scene in the churchyard is! Huge and well deserved applause ensued.
Then in came "mein host" who runs the hostel. He had already made his presence felt in the kitchen earlier by loudly and drunkenly harassing some young French students and arguing with anyone who would listen about Scottish independence. It was all supposed to be jokey and the French people took it in good part but he was way over the top. He told us that he had written a poem for us and asked if he could recite it. We politely agreed and his "poem"consisted of nothing but swearing. Nothing I haven't heard before but it was really quite out of order and he was lucky that we were such a good-natured crew because we could have taken offence. The evening continued in a convivial manner until we were too tired and full to continue.
Today most people walked the north part of the island, but I had already walked that part during our previous visit so I went for a very pleasant coastal walk with Hilary and Irene north from Kettrick Bay. The weather was much drier than yesterday and the sun even broke through the clouds from time to time! We walked for a good three hours and saw lots of birds including a big heron (spotted by Hilary) which flew off slowly. Despite my doubts about going to Bute in January (I was concerned about weather and accommodation), it has been an excellent weekend.