We embraced the charm of Scotland by donning our best tartan, kilts and Scottish-inspired attire!

We joined up with Hollister to offer our lucky members the chance to join us at The Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling for a slap up Burns lunch on the 25th January 2024. 

The afternoon included recitals of traditional Burn's Poetry by GB Archery Paralympian Nathan MacQueen, Andrea Wallace & Jack Wardell. Nathan and Jack recited two of Robert Burn's most revered poems, Address to a Haggis and Holy Willie's Prayer respectively, while Andrea recited the patriotic song Scot's Wha Hae. We would like to thank all the speakers and our volunteer photographer Sharon Black for taking part in the day.

   

Our guests enjoyed a two course lunch that consisted of a traditional Scottish fare, featuring the star of the supper - haggis, neeps, and tatties! With everybody's stomachs warm and full, we are sure that the room was a lively and cheerful one.

   

"What a honour and privilege to be allowed to go Burns Lunch. The hosts Hollister were phenomenal as were the speaker. But most of all meeting to name a few Maureen CEO, Stuart PS co-ordinator, Greg, Fiona and Mary. The honour was all mine and look forward many more meetings to come. If you didn't apply to go, the grub was fantastic. Just a pleasurable afternoon from start to finish. Get your name in when you get the chance for next year please."
James, Falkirk, Cauda Equina Syndrome

In the Spinal Unit, we had an emotional evening with our guest singer and guitarist Charlie Gorman who sang with the patients and the team a couple of beloved, traditional Scottish songs to get everybody into the spirit of Burns Night. The patients spent the evening listening to Scottish songs such as Auld Lang Syne, Sunshine on Leith and the national anthem itself, Flowers of Scotland. We would like to thank Charlie Gorman for playing a massive role in making the evening such as massive success.

However, songs were not the only contributing factor that enabled all the patients to get into the Scottish spirit. Traditional Scottish snacks such as shortbread, Tunnock's tea cakes, haggis crisps and Irn-Bru were served to the patients. We are sure this most likely brought a spark to everybody's evening.

We would like to thank our Digby Brown volunteers that supported the event on the night.

"This was the best night I've ever had since joining the Unit. Thank you so much for all your support and efforts."
Patient, Glasgow, Spinal Injuries Unit

Lastly, for those who could not attend the event in person, an online Zoom Burns event was organised by our volunteer Donald Bissett. Many people came together to this informal event to share their love of this day, such as Donald who really got into the Scottish spirit by sporting a tammy hat and playing songs on his bagpipes.

We would like to thank Donald for hosting our online Burns Zoom and being a fantastic host for those who were unable to attend the event. This enabled everyone to participate in this special day, whether it be face-to-face, online or in the Spinal Unit.