SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Andrew Campbell waved a ceremonial knife while he boomed out quotes from 18th-century Scottish poet, Robbie Burns.
“But mark the rustic, haggis-fed,” he said.
“The trembling earth resounds his tread,” he continued to the crowd at the annual Robbie Burns Fundraising Gala held at the Credit Union Place, Saturday evening.
This Address to the Haggis is a family tradition for Campbell, which spans over 20 years.
“My father (Melville Campbell) theatrically would start the proceedings for the evening with the poem recital to the haggis, and then my uncle (Alex) continued, so I followed in their footsteps,” said Campbell, adding that his Scottish roots run deep.
“My descendants came from Scotland and settled near the Cavendish area. Although I’ve never been to Scotland, it’s on my list,” he said.
Robert “Robbie” Burn’s night is an occasion celebrated around the world with traditional Scottish dinner dedicated to his memory.
The ritual of the Burns supper was started by his friends a few years after his death (1796) and remains mostly unchanged today.
“(The poem) celebrates the good, hearty meal that the Scottish people eat on special occasions, like this one,” Campbell said.
The three-course dinner at the fundraiser for the College of Piping included roast beef, neeps and tatties (mashed potato and turnips), and of course, haggis.
“This is just a fun way to celebrate our culture, as well as the College of Piping and the classes it offers youth,” he said, dressed for the occasion in a kilt and tartan tie representing the colours and patterns of the Campbell clan.
Jacqueline Moase, aged 14, was eager to showcase her jumps and floaty footwork on the stage.
“This is my ninth year with the college and performing as a step dancer. At first, I would get jittery before a performance, but now the footwork and timing are natural to me,” she said, adding there was a lot of camaraderie on stage.
“I’ve made some great friends from dancing, but it goes farther. The skills I’ve learned, such as stamina, confidence on stage, have transferred to school activities and beyond,” said Moase.
Moase performed in the Highland Storm (summer production) and competed in Halifax.
Some of the highlights of the night were host Alan Buchanan, the step dance, Highland dance, drumming and the great Highland bagpipes.
“I remember my father fondly on stage,” said Campbell.
“He passed away, but keeping on this tradition is a way to honour him and my Scottish heritage.”
