27/01/2026
Peterhead Burns Club
198th Anniversary Dinner 23rd January 2026
Friday 23rd January saw 280 members and guests filling the Palace Hotel, Peterhead for the 198th Burn’s Club Dinner. Thankfully there were no imminent storms challenging the success of the evening this year.
The Palace Hotel supplied its usual excellent hospitality and dining and as is the norm everyone was treated to superb entertainment for the evening making it a memorable event for all those attending. The highly venerated role of Croupier was on this occasion filled by retired teacher Bill Webster who welcomed the assembled company and looked forward to an eventful and enjoyable evening. The Haggis was toasted by a very animated Dr Bruce Strachan and the Piper was Sinclair Lamb. The King was toasted by The President, Jim Murray and “Absent Friends” were toasted by the Croupier. A most memorable Immortal Memory was given by non-other than Peterhead Burns Club stalwart and President for this year, Jim Murray who enthralled the assembled company with his formidable humour and knowledge of the Bard. Paul Anderson, who sadly was absent last year was truly back in excellent form accompanied by his brother David and entertained the company with a exceptionally fine renditions of fiddle music. The Toast to the “Our Guests” was on this occasion rendered by retired Peterhead Solicitor Bruce Milton and the Reply for the Guests was given by another, albeit still practicing, solicitor Frank Fowlie of Strichen. The Toast to the President was given by the Croupier Bill Webster. A most animated colourful and animated recitation of “Tam o Shanter” was given by Gordon Mackay of Cruden Bay supported by his trusty steed in the shape of a hobby horse. Malcolm White, a new member of the Committee stunned the company with his background to and recitation of “Epistle to J Lapraik.” Songs were performed by Liam Dyker supported on the piano by local virtuoso Gordon Hay MBE and John Slaven on the fiddle.
On the evening a 200th Peterhead Burns Club Anniversary Booklet was handed out to members present. The booklet was composed by Gordon Hay MBE and outlined the history of the club and contained some short biographies and photos.
As can been seen from the photographs a great night was had by all.
Yer Postmaister
