On Saturday 31 January, the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur will host the annual Burns Night, organised by the Selangor St. Andrew’s Society. The event brings together traditional food, entertainment, bagpipes and drums, songs, performances, and dances in honour of Scotland’s favourite bard, Robert Burns. Rooted in tradition, it is for many the very essence of Scottish culture.
WHO WAS ROBERT BURNS?
A Burns Night, or Burns Supper, celebrates Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, popularly known as Rabbie Burns. Born in 1759, Burns is regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest cultural icons. Apparently, after Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Rabbie has more statues dedicated to him globally than any other non-religious figure. His journey from humble rural beginnings to international renown reflects a life shaped by nature, class, culture, and love.
It is probably fair to say that Rabbie can polarise opinion amongst both Scots and non-Scots. To some he was just a rabble-rouser with a fondness for the ladies. To scholars and aficionados, he was a Renaissance man. He was also a brilliant and prolific writer of prose and songs in the Scottish vernacular.
One of his most popular songs is Auld Lang Syne. People sing it at the conclusion of many Scottish and non-Scottish events. According to the Guinness Book of Records, only Happy Birthday and For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow are sung more often around the world.
A TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH EVENING
The Selangor St. Andrew’s Society is delighted to welcome Mr Christopher Tait, who will provide the evening’s entertainment. Christopher Tait, as Robert Burns, is Scotland’s only Robert Burns lookalike and speaker, and dresses authentically as the bard himself. During the evening, he performs all the main speeches and poems including the haggis address, Burns’ own Immortal Memory and To a Mouse.
Christopher Tait as Robert Burns has appeared on television many times, working with the BBC, ITV and in the USA with CBS on their flagship entertainment show The Amazing Race. He has also featured in the National Trust for Scotland television adverts. Regular clients, past and present, include the tourist board body VisitScotland, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish societies around the world from Seattle, New York, Moscow, London, Dubai, Singapore and Jakarta. Christopher continues to perform all over the world as his clientele recognise his talent, and his audiences appreciate his outstanding performances.
More than a dinner, Burns Night is a celebration of poetry, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Scotland.
Alan Wallace
