Alberta Branch
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The Burns Supper has become part of traditional activities of the Alberta Branch and the 15 (Edmonton) Medical Company, adopting this part of Scottish culture. The format for the evening combines the Burns Supper with the other activities of a Mess Dinner.
Following the entrance of the company into the hall for the dinner, the head table is piped in, lead by the piper with the PMC and others of the head table following.
The meal commences with the Selkirk Grace.
In due course, the PMC (President of DMA Alberta Branch acting as the President of the Mess Committee) invites the company to receive the haggis. A piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to a table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The honored guest then recites Burns' famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sword or other suitable instrument.
Although there is some variation in the menu from year to year, and this year's is still not completely finalized, the usual fare includes:
The Loyal Toast
The Loyal Toast is introduced with a few bars of the Royal Salute Scotland the Brave piped.
For The Loyal Toast, and the other toasts, good Scotch Whiskey is used rather than the traditional port wine. Pure water is also acceptable but it must be just water! Remember the old adage, "Why ruin the taste of good water with Scotch, and the taste of good Scotch with water."
The Colonel in Chief
A few bars of An Eriskay Love Lilt are piped.
The Lassies
An honored guest is asked to propose the toast to the Lassies, and a reply is suitably made.
The Immortal Memory
One of the central features of the evening. An invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today.
Poem and Songs
Throughout the dinner quotes of poems are read. The officers, serving members and gentlemen in the company rise in turn, and read a short quote from the works of Rabbie Burns.
The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking arms at the elbow and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme. The head table exits in good turn, allowing the company to remain at the table to finish coffee, wine and tobacco. The company is free to exit, joining the evening with continued social.