Hello, Prester John!

Obviously, there are many forms of the "Haggis ceremony" that are found at Burns Suppers & St. Andrew's Nights the world over. The following is the one that our local St. Andrew's Society (Springfield, Missouri) uses. It was taken from "The Burns Supper Companion" by Hugh Douglas.

1. Piper
2. "Haggis Bearer"
3. Escorts -- two kilted gents with broadswords on either side of HB (optional)
4. Whisky Carrier -- holds two bottles of Whisky crossed in form of Saltire above head
5. The "Addresser" of the Haggis (the one who gives the Address)

Sometimes the Chef will be asked to carry the Haggis into the dinner. The procession may "snake" through the tables and halt in front or near the head table/podium. The Haggis is placed on a small table, which has a glass or quaich (a two handled Scottish mug or cup). Whisky is poured in the glass/quaich, and then each member of the "Haggis escort" is given a sip, ending with the piper, who is supposed to shout "Slainte" (Slanj) "Your Good Health", etc. drain the glass, flip it over, and kiss the bottom. The piper and Haggis Escort then is dismissed, and the "Addresser" takes his place at the table. A large knife, a horn or spoon, and the refilled glass should be on the table as props for the address.

PM me if you have any more questions. I have been one of the co-planners of ours Burns Supper for five years now, and I will be Addressing the Haggis in 2006.

Slainte!

Todd