Country Terrace residents and staff celebrate Burns Day

Eating haggis brings back fond memories for one resident

January 28, 2010 -- Deron Hamel

Residents and staff members at Country Terrace celebrated Robbie Burns Day Jan. 25 with an afternoon of music, dancing, poetry and, of course, haggis.

For one of the London-area long-term care home's residents the famed Scottish delicacy consisting of chopped organ meat, oatmeal, suet and spices and baked in a sheep's stomach, was what made the day most special.

"It was the haggis," says Barry Rankin, adding she's happy that staff members provided residents with the dish. "I rarely have it now, so it was just wonderful to have some."

A second-generation Canadian of Scots-Irish ancestry, Rankin says eating haggis brings back memories of sharing the meal — usually accompanied by mashed potatoes and turnips — with her grandparents.

Robert Burns Day celebrates the birth of the famed Scottish poet. Burns was born Jan. 25, 1759 in Alloway, Scotland, and people around the world have been celebrating the bard's 251st birthday this week.

Often characterized as "Scotland's favourite son," Burns is best remembered for works including "Auld Lang Syne," "My Heart's In The Highlands" and "To A Mouse."

The Country Terrace celebration also included Scottish dancers, tartan decorations and music. One resident, who is from Scotland, recited poetry for the audience.

Life enrichment co-ordinator Heather Whitfield says about 20 residents attended the festivities.

Whitfield says the celebration has long been a favourite with residents at the home, noting that many residents are of Scottish heritage.

"It gives appreciation for the (Scottish) culture and it's fun," she says of the day's importance.

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