Charleston Scottish Society Burns Dinner

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 24th January 11, 07:10 AM

My wife and I just returned last night from Charleston, SC, where I was the guest speaker at the Scottish Society of Charleston's annual Robert Burns Supper. It was a nice evening all around. The supper was held at the Marriott Charleston hotel (where the society put us up for two nights), with a cash bar, good food, and good company. The dinner was a little short on Burns readings and music, compared to other Burns Suppers I have attended. But there was piping by the Citidel Pipe Band, who did a fantastic job. My Immortal Memory Speech was well received.

I did not take any photographs of the evening. Being one of the guests seated at the "high table" it felt a bit awkward to run around taking photographs. But there were plenty of other cameras out and about and I hope to find pictures on the Society's web page posted soon.

We did take this one of ourselves before we left the hotel room on our way to the dinner.

All in all a good evening, and best of all we got a wonderful excuse to spend the weekend jaunting around our favorite city!

**Spartan Tartan** · 24th January 11, 10:48 AM

You guys look great!

That is a wonderful hotel in downtown Charleston as well. When I was stationed there in the Navy, the command hosted our Dining Outs there. Charleston is absolutely one of my favorite cities and someday, my wife and I hope to retire there.

I have a couple questions for you (as a still noobie), are those garter ties instead of garter-flashes? Also, I'm still developing an eye for the jackets...is that the Argyle style jacket?

Again, you guys look great.

**creagdhubh** · 24th January 11, 10:56 AM

Wonderful Matt! Great photo, and I am quite sure that you and your lovely wife had a grand time!

Thanks for posting,

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 24th January 11, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

I have a couple questions for you (as a still noobie), are those garter ties instead of garter-flashes? Also, I'm still developing an eye for the jackets...is that the Argyle style jacket?

Those are traditional garters, yes. In this case they are a set my wife wove for me - green with red and white cabled lines running throughout. I decided to wear these since I was wearing castellated hose that evening (that do not turn down).

Garter flashes are elsatic garters with colored ribbon (flashes) attached.

Yes, the jacket is an Argyle, black barathea wool.

Thanks for the compliments!

**Downunder Kilt** · 24th January 11, 02:33 PM

Matt, I assume that is your first run with the new sealskin sporran. I must say it looks fantastic with the rest of the ensemble. I also like the squared off waistcoat. You and your lovely wife look tip top.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 24th January 11, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Matt, I assume that is your first run with the new sealskin sporran. I must say it looks fantastic with the rest of the ensemble. I also like the squared off waistcoat. You and your lovely wife look tip top.

Yes, it is the first outing with that particular sporran. I'm happy with the way it looks, as well. I plan to give it another wearing this coming Saturday at our own Burns Supper in Franklin!

**BoldHighlander** · 24th January 11, 04:36 PM

You both look splendid Matt!

...and thanks for making us jealous over that seal skin sporran again!

**KiltedDixon** · 24th January 11, 04:52 PM

Looking good!

**2a5t2f7** · 24th January 11, 05:21 PM

Matt-

We were honored to have both you and your lovely wife with us for the evening. Your presentation was very well received and was a highlight of the evening. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such an engaging way. I hope you figured out the whole bow tie thing after the shindig was over!!!

Please come back and know that our home is always open if the two of you would like to escape for a weekend getaway.

Doug

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 24th January 11, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by 2a5t2f7

Matt-

We were honored to have both you and your lovely wife with us for the evening. Your presentation was very well received and was a highlight of the evening. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such an engaging way. I hope you figured out the whole bow tie thing after the shindig was over!!!

Please come back and know that our home is always open if the two of you would like to escape for a weekend getaway.

Doug

Yes I practiced tying in the mirror when we eventually got back up to the room -- got it looking pretty good my first try! :-)

Thanks for the advice!

Did you manage to get any photos of the evening? Please post them if you did!