Pipe Major Cammy Renwick piped in the haggis, carried by committee member Peter Marchbanks, and a first-class address was given by chairman for the evening, club president Dr Doug Rolland.

An excellent bill o' fayre, served by Brydon's Bakery and Restaurant, was enjoyed by all and the bar for the evening, run by Stuart Sharkey and the Jock Reid's team, ensured nobody went thirsty.

The evening's entertainment commenced with a rousing selection of tunes by Hawick Junior Pipe Band, assisted by a few older heids, after which president Rolland presented two of the young band members with a donation on behalf of the club.

First singer was Viv Sharp with 'Scots Wha Hae', followed by Selkirk duo Tommy Knox and Jimmy Gibb with 'Such a Parcel O' Rogues In a Nation'.

Proposing 'The Immortal Memory' was Professor David Purdie, who originates from Prestwick but who now resides in Edinburgh. Secretary of the Edinburgh Burns Club, Professor Purdie has proposed the toast to the Bard at Burns suppers across Scotland, England and as far afield as Paris, Nairobi, Moscow and Washington DC.

Not only was the club to "hear" his 'Immortal Memory', which included a few songs from past-president Henry Douglas, but he also presented a slideshow which the members enjoyed immensely.

Professor Purdie described Burns as the poet who the likes of Wordsworth owed their inspiration to. And Sir Walter Scott, who met Burns when he was still a young boy, described him as having striking black hair and eyes the like of which he had never seen before in a man.

Professor Purdie went on: "Burns could capture an emotive moment in just a few lines. Scotland has the deepest and broadest collection of folk songs and poetry that we all take for granted, a lot of which has come from the man we are here tonight celebrating."

Bringing an end to his presentation he made the company aware that Burns knew he was dying and even on his death bed he was still writing songs – one of the most famous being 'My Nannie's Awa', which makes reference to his health problems near the end of his life.
Professor Purdie added: "Burns was a member of the Royal Dumfries Volunteers and when he died he was due for promotion – this is not the action of such an organisation for an 'alcoholic' as so many times is reported."

Professor Purdie was rightly given a rapturous applause for a top class 'Immortal Memory' which did the club proud.

Michael Aitken then sang 'The Star o' Rabbie Burns', followed by Tommy and Jimmy who then gave the club another wonderful song, before Michael took centre stage again with his well received rendition of 'Tam o' Shanter' which held the assembled company enthralled during the tale of Tam's encounter with warlocks and witches.

Piper Cammy was next, entertaining the gathering with his pipe solo, which was, as usual, note perfect.

The alternative toast for the evening was delivered by Dumfries man John Glover, who was making a welcome return as a guest to the event. John has enjoyed a long career with the NHS and is currently senior hospital manager for Dumfries and Galloway Health Board. Although renowned as a Burns expert, John also has a rare talent for humour and mimicry.

And in a hilarious toast entitled 'Trouble and Strife', he told one or two stories involving the subject of wives and mothers-in-law in various different accents and persona.

The ever-excellent Tommy and Jimmy then performed another crowd-pleasing song.
It was then time for the lights to be dimmed as "oor guid friend frae the Muckle Toon", ex-Langholm Cornet Billy Young took to the stage to perform 'Holy Wullie's Prayer' in his own inimitable way. Each time Billy performs this one it seems to be better than the last time. John was then asked if he would perform the 'Address to the Haggis' in his alter ego 'The Major' which had the members in tears of laughter.

Cornet Jamie Richardson proposed the 'Toast to the Chairman', with club president Dr Doug Rolland, complimenting him on the way he had carried out his duties both at the club's annual ball and the Burns supper. The Cornet also said that the club was in good hands with Doug at the helm.

The supper was brought to a close by the singing of the most famous and well known of all Burns songs, 'Auld Lang Syne'.

The pianist for the evening was 2008 Mosstrooper of the Year Ian Seeley.
The supper proved to be another wonderful Mosstroopers function, with good food, great company and excellent entertainers.