Burns Night without Kilts

**Peter Crowe** · 17th June 13, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Did you learn / perfect your German in Osnabrück Peter?

No John! Crash course Scottish Certificate of Education 'O' Grade in 1984/85 in Mr. Pittkethlie's German class at Hawick High School. I never served in HM's forces, and was knocked back from joining the TA (KOSB Coy. in Galashiels) due to low body weight (subsequent found to be Marfan syndrome). I was a Cadet in the ATC as a boy though.

**English Bloke** · 18th June 13, 01:57 AM

Low body weight? Not something I'm known for

It's just that in Osnabrück they say "nicht?" after just about every phrase. They pronounce it "ni' " as in "We are the knights who saaaayyy..."

When I was working in Bavaria and speaking German down there, I was pegged as being from Osnabrück because I'd picked up this habit... ni?

Bayerisch on the other hand... That's a whole different story, not to mention like a different language.

**cessna152towser** · 18th June 13, 02:47 AM

The topic is certainly original, can't think I've ever heard of a naked Burns Supper before.
I second John (English Bloke)'s comments - you should definitely get yourself over to Dumfries Phil, where kilts are de rigeur for Burns Suppers.

**Phil** · 18th June 13, 03:15 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

I second John (English Bloke)'s comments - you should definitely get yourself over to Dumfries Phil, where kilts are de rigeur for Burns Suppers.

You're right, Alex, and it sounds a great night. I am sure kilts are seen more often nowadays but I was recalling Burns suppers in Glasgow in the 1970's. But then in those days virtually no-one wore kilts apart from Andy Stewart and Kenneth McKellar! All the formal do's I went to then required a dinner suit and weddings were top hat and tails.

**Phil** · 18th June 13, 04:42 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

It's just that in Osnabrück they say "nicht?" after just about every phrase.

In Scotland some say "It's a braw, bricht, moonlicht nicht" usually at Burns suppers when the broad Scots starts.

**creagdhubh** · 18th June 13, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by Peter Crowe

Kyleism

Have to agree Phil, It is only in the last 15-20 years that Kilts have been a feature of Burns Suppers in my experience. The Bard himself never wore Highland Dress, but dressed in the clothes appropriate to what he was, a Lowland Scots Tenant Farmer. He is often described as wearing buckskin breeches and (riding) boots. He may have worn a Blue Bonnet and a shepherd's shoulder plaid 'on the hill', but while authentically Scots his manner of dress was not 'Highland'.

Precisely, Peter.

**O'Searcaigh** · 18th June 13, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by BEEDEE

The article says it all!

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/h...upper.20790009

Well, they sure don't have to worry about "the question," do they!?

**JohntheBiker** · 18th June 13, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Carlo

At least one Kilt

Probably not a discussion about what is worn under the kilt....

**FatherWilliam57** · 18th June 13, 10:50 AM

They also avoid the dreaded subject of white kilt hose and whether to use traditional garter ties or elastic. I do have to wonder if they carry sgian dubhs...and where...

**Chas** · 18th June 13, 11:02 AM

I was 16, when I attended my first Burns Supper, at the Officer's Mess of the 16^th Signal Regiment at Bradbury Barracks in Krefeld, West Germany as it was then.

I wore a Nova Scotia tartan tie - the only piece of tartan in the whole place. The piper was a Gurkha and wore uniform trousers.