Robert Burns celebrations in the region
When bag pipes fill the air and haggis is on pub menus across Greater Victoria, you know one big birthday party is about to go down.
Two-and-a-half centuries after poet Robert Burns was born, his legacy continues with Scottish-style celebrations worldwide.
And there’s no shortage of events here to honour Burns, Scotland’s favourite son.
“Twenty to 25 per cent of Victoria claims Scottish ancestry in one form or another,” said Irene Feir of the Victoria Joint Scottish Council and the Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association. “Just look at our street names here.”
Sons of Scotland formed in 1876 in Toronto and a Victoria branch formed in 1956. The organization was built around providing insurance protection to its members. It still does, but a larger goal of the group is to preserve Scottish traditions and history.
“For those interested in their roots, it’s important to have a way of doing that,” Feir said.
Ceilidh at Craigdarroch
Craigdarroch Castle opens for self-guided tours at 10 a.m, with music by Cookeilidh starting at noon. The haggis will be piped into the castle by the Highland Gathering Light Horse and Foot Guard. Bill Johnston will give the address to the haggis, after which guests may sample the dish and bring home a copy of the recipe.
The celebration is included in the regular admission cost of the castle. Contact 250-592-5323.
– Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., Craigdarroch Castle,
1050 Joan Cres.
Robert Burns Tea
The Victoria Joint Scottish Council hosts a ceremony at the Burns statue in Beacon Hill Park, followed by Scottish entertainment and tea and goodies at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Hall on Courtney Street.
Admission is by donation. Call 250-652-5773.
– Jan. 23, 2 p.m., Robert Burns statue (across from the petting zoo), Beacon Hill Park.
Hungry for haggis?
The annual ceremony starts at 6 p.m. with haggis dinner and pipe band to follow. Advance tickets are $25 and going fast. Contact 250-598-1413.
– Jan. 24 and 25, Robbie Burns Night
at the Blethering Place,
2250 Oak Bay Ave.
Party at a pub or church
Fill up on live pipers, haggis and bangers and mash at The Bard and Banker Pub, 1022 Government St.
Over at the Canoe Brewpub, Victoria’s Celtic rockers the McGillicuddys, with special guest piper Steve Kelly, take the stage. Expect an address to the haggis (and tasting) at 8 p.m., 450 Swift St.
– Jan. 25, all evening,
various locations
Local Robbie Burns expert “Scotty” Gardiner will be on hand Wednesday to talk about the addressing of the haggis.
Following his own address of the fare, Gardiner will decode the tradition and discuss the meaning behind it.
– Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m.
St. Philip Anglican Church,
2928 Eastdowne Rd.
Traditional Burns dinner
Dress in traditional Scottish garb, or semi-formal attire and join the Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association for cocktails and another chance at a traditional haggis dinner.
Tickets are $45, in advance at 250-478-0746 or 250-480-9355.
– Jan. 29, 5 p.m.,
Royal Oak Golf Club,
540 Marsett Pl.
Lovers of good Scotch getting a head start
The Victoria Whisky Festival runs this weekend, at the Hotel Grand Pacific. The sold-out event attracts connoisseurs from around the world looking to sample some of the planet’s finest libations.
nnorth@saanichnews.com