“Fair fa your honest sonsie face,
Great chieftain o th e puddin race,
Aboon them a ye take yer place,
Painch, tripe or th airm,
As langs my airm.”

Charles is confused, so he just grins and moves on to the next patient.

The patient responds:

“Some hae meat an canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat an we can eat,
So let the Lord be thankit.”

Even more confused, and his grin now rictus-like, the Prince moves on to the next patient, who immediately begins to chant:

“Wee sleekit, cowerin, timrous beasty,
O the panic in thy breasty,
Thou needna start awa sae hastie,
Wi bickering brattle..”

Now seriously troubled, Charles turns to the accompanying doctor and asks
“Is this a psychiatric ward?”

“No,” replies the doctor, “this is the serious Burns unit.”

The Latter Day Lizards will provide the music for the Retrospective session. The RPLDW runs from Friday, January 15 through Sunday, January 17. Festival times are: Jan. 15 – 7.30 p.m. – 11 p.m., Jan. 16 – 9 a.m. – 11.30 p.m., Jan. 17 – 9.15 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost for the entire weekend is $80, or you can attend individual dances by paying a fee at the door. Visit http://www.nhcountrydance.com/music/rpdlw.html for more information.

The weather was perfect and the crowd enthusiastic as the SRSNH ensemble, under the musical direction of Emerald Rae, offered up a varied selection of Scottish tunes. With pianist Jacqueline Schwab providing her unique touch as a solo performer, as well as the pianist for the rest of the event, the audience was treated to an eclectic selection of Scottish and American music, including pieces inspired by the Civil War and the southern US. The Calder Dancers, with their piper Derek Davidson, provided three thrilling sets of Scottish traditional dance. And three SRSNH members tapped out some step dance routines, too.

The SRSNH sends Thank Yous to Producer Sylvia Miskoe, Back Stage Coordinator Ellen Basset, House Manager David Gordon, and Janet Copestakes for the Program, as well as to all the musicians and behind-the-scenes staff that make the yearly Gala possible. Onward to the 2010 Gala!

Scholars believe that this notation could be the oldest written Scottish tune. You can read more, and even hear a harp interpretation of the tune, here. Will this tune turn up in the SRSNH repertoire in 2009?

The city has much to offer given its relatively small size. Among these offerings is a Highland celebration of all things Gaelic, an event called the Royal National Mod. This article details some of the event’s activities. Yet another reason to go back to Oban some day!

Read the full story here. Most would call that piece of music “priceless.”

The SRSNH ensemble enjoyed enthusiastic audiences at this year’s games during two Saturday concerts, and the combination Scottish Counrty Dance demo/concert on Sunday. Great weather and hearty crowds made for another exciting weekend of Scottish fun.