Dumfries 2012 - Ferintosh Burns Weekend and the XMarks Quaich

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:04 PM

The next Day Patrick went to Anderson's Kilts to collect his new kilt then we went to the pub to celebrate.

Emma and Robertson joined us later for a couple.

Later in the Afternoon, Alex and Gabrielle came over from Hawick to join us for the evening Pub crawl.

Alex was at the original send off of the Quaich when it left Canada last year, almost to the day. Goes without saying he was chuffed to see it again. He'll be looking after it at next week's events.

Forming up before leaving for town.

The formal photos. Gabrielle (Germany) Alex (Scotland) Robertson (Scotland) Patrick (Norway) Me (England) My Wife (Turkey) and John (Northern Ireland) A truly international affair.

Off to get amongst it...

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:19 PM

The night started with a meal at the Cavens Arms. I had the steak and ale pie with chips and peas. Flippin' gorgeous!

My son Charlie was in attendance for the meal and spent his time looking extra cute and winning everyone's hearts. Here he's charming Suzy and Craig who joined us at the pub.

On to the Tam O' Shanter where we met up with a number of other Kilties.

Even the fair came to town to celebrate. (takin' pictures of you takin' pictures of me...)

Next Pub this way!

The team gets bigger...

And bigger...

The Blokes. Under the Burns statue in the centre of town.

The Lassies.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:31 PM

Eventually we get to the Globe,

for a pint in the snug. Alan and Alex chatting.

And finally onto the Waverley where I linked up with my mate Doublewood Dave. He'd been delayed due to work.

Not sure of the significance of the wooden indian in the Pub but it is smashin' all the same.

The next day we took it easy. We popped into town briefly (no Pubs) then chilled in the garden with Taffy and Reilly the ringlan' e'ed dug.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:38 PM

Next we got together for the wander down to the Globe for the Burns Dinner.

Two mates...

New mates...

Hollywood smiles...

Listening to the Piper.

A very talented young chap. Highland Cathedral, by request and at the drop of a hat.

Good stuff.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 05:53 PM

Back in the snug at the Globe prior to taking our seats at the table. I never was very good at sipping pre-dinner sherry.

The X Marks Quaiche at the table.

Please be seated...

Cock o' leeky soup for a first course. Best quote of the night? Has this got chicken in it? Errr... yeah, chicken AND leeks.

Stefan sups from the Friendship Quaiche.

Len takes a taster.

Alistair delivers his poem.

The Haggis arrives.

Doublewood Dave did the address.

Haggis plated up like cottage pie with the tatties and neaps on top. Superbly done but enormous portions.

**English Bloke** · 25th March 12, 06:14 PM

Jennifer takes a drink.

John gives the toast to the lassies.

Patrick takes his turn.

I recited "This is no my ain Lassie" and then introduced a selection of poems by Rab Wilson, a contemporary Scottish Poet who writes mainly in Scots.

Emma gave the reply from the Lassies.

Her audience was gripped, a very funny speech.

Third course was Cranachan, a traditional Scottish pudding made from whipped cream, oats, whisky and topped with rasberries. It was gorgeous and I could have eaten half a dozen of them.

Next came cheese and biscuits and coffee.

This was accompanied by homemade Mints, Shortbread and Scottish Tablet (sugar, condensed milk and butter)