Burns Night, celebrated globally on or around January 25, pays tribute to the life and works of Scotland’s renowned poet Robert Burns. Traditional Burns Suppers bring people together to honour his legacy through food, music, and camaraderie.
Marking its fifth edition in Fethiye, this year’s Burns Supper was held on January 17 at the Aymes Hotel in Çalış and proved to be the most successful yet, with over 100 guests from various nationalities coming together in a spirit of unity and celebration. Adding a unique flair, this year’s supper featured live music from the Scottish Highlands, enriching the evening with an authentic and memorable touch.
The organisers limited the Top Table to eight people, including the Lady Mayoress of Fethiye and the Honorary President of the Rotarians. Guest musicians Graeme and Magdalena MacKay shared the Top Table with Rotarian Hakan Sarbanoğlu and fundraising committee members Colin and Sine Rous.
The haggis was carried into the room by Stuart Anderson, accompanied by piper James Gray. In addition to his piping duties, James delivered the Address to the Haggis with both eloquence and humour. Guests were also offered a vegetarian haggis alternative, allowing the theme to be maintained throughout the meal.
Generosity was evident throughout the evening, with contributions such as over 200 homemade profiteroles provided by Scottish Dance Group member Dilek Balkan. Speeches included the Selkirk Grace, delivered in Turkish by Hakan Sarbanoğlu, and other key addresses: Sine Rous gave both the Welcome and the Reply to the Toast to the Lassies; Colin Rous offered the Immortal Memory; and Graeme MacKay delivered the Toast to the Lassies. Mustafa Şıkman gave the Toast to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Absent Friends, while the Lady Mayoress spoke about the unity of nations, emphasising the importance of events that bring diverse cultures together.
Following the meal, music and dancing took centre stage. Entertainment was provided by Graeme and Maggie MacKay from Elgin, Scotland, who performed without seeking anything beyond their travel costs. Dancing, led by Sine Rous, began with the Circassian Circle and quickly drew everyone onto the dance floor. The band’s talent was widely appreciated, especially when piper James Gray joined in, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The event has gained a reputation for surpassing many Burns Suppers held in Scotland, with proceeds supporting local causes. This year, approximately 70,000 Turkish Lira was raised to enhance educational equipment for the children of Seydikemer Şehit Alper Seven Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi (Martyr Alper Seven Anatolian İmam Hatip High School).
Organising such a large-scale event involves overcoming many challenges, but the support of donors and sponsors has been invaluable. Hotels and restaurants contributed meal vouchers and overnight stays, while others brought haggis, chocolates, and goods from the UK to boost the raffle takings.
The funds raised will significantly benefit the children, and the organisers extend their gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the evening.
Update courtesy of Colin Rous with photographs by Ian Smith.
