Oor muckle halls Burn`s night

 

Tradition got a just transition

 Sustainability Braes hosted and paid for a free community burns supper at Polmont Community Hub, they did fantastic justice (in PCHubs management team's eyes) of Transitioning the traditional burns supper into achieving - sustainability and governmental net zero targets, by giving the conventionall burns night an update ( whilst also being mindfull not to commit culturcide in achieving net zero targets,)

We thought this entertaining evening wonderfully modernized Burns, keeping his strong spirit immortalised, it was a delightful experience! The evening celebrated tradition while also focusing on sustainability and environmental consciousness, achieving a thoughtful balance that paid homage to Polmont and Scotland's cultural roots. Not all that attended were the Indigenous population of Scotland some English people in attendance enjoyed the culture exchange, for example -an English lassie in attendance did not know that Scotland has four official languages, while England only has two 

The highlight of the night was the unique take on the traditional haggis. Instead of the classic meat dish, we enjoyed a locally sourced vegetarian haggis, creatively prepared with the usual mashed neeps and tatties, Despite some initial reservations from our animal welfare advisor, the decision to use a product sourced from a local slaughterhouse sparked an interesting discussion about vegetarianism and the choices we make? or dont make? regarding food. The new address to the haggis was humorous and respectful, showcasing the ability to blend tradition with modern values. 

Our host shared a revised version of the Selkirk Grace, enriching our understanding of its history while keeping the spirit of gratitude alive. The drinks — a delightful bramble wine from Cairn o’ Mohr and generous donations of Scottish (nae trans-Atlantic carbon footprint) whisky from local individuals — complemented the meal beautifully, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses and the circular economy. we were particularly impressed by the story behind the beer, sourced from California (the village, not the state!), which brought some lighthearted fun to the evening. The beer was terrific an alliance has begun, please visit their new bar in Falkirk - rock-bottom

Chef Tam's plant-based feast was absolutely fantastic. His enthusiasm for cooking and creativity shone through every dish, proving that a modern Burns supper can be just as satisfying and delicious without meat and dairy 

we need a bigger fridge! Braes Sustainability bought enough supplies for fifty guests, in the end, tam only catered for twenty guests that night, Zero waste though! BTW the bovine lactation pictured in the fridge was not ours, it was the next day's group's support of animal cruelty and plastic pollution! 

 this transition to a well-loved tradition, helped educate modern Burns fans about the population explosion biodiversity loss and environmental destruction, Burns wrote about food poverty, injustice, social exclusion land management and animal welfare, all things very much present in Scotland today  

In summary, the host delivered a message that clearly showed the modern British version of Burns's work and life as a Scotsman living in that revolutionary time of transition of international colonialisation, which Scottish culture barely survived, should be modernized to more Scottish social values of peace love justice and freedom, the evening was an inspiring fusion of tradition and sustainability, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone not just supporters of the international industrial meat industry. Which our host for the evening assured us Burns would not support, It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the importance of our choices while celebrating Scottish culture freshly and engagingly.

 Sustainable Braes has booked oor Muckle Hall for next year's event already and we can’t wait to attend

Weve nae meat 

bit plenty tae eat

Herty guid fid fir awe tae eat

Let the community be thankit

Address tae the muckle haggis 

Ye Guid honest  sonsie face

Great chieftain o rah puddin race

Aboon them o ye tak yer place

Oats pepper an lentil

Weel yer worthy o great praise

As langs ma airm

Thy groaning trencher ther ye fill

Yer erse is like yon distant hill

Yer juice is fae a healthy still

See this yins even got seeds 

While roon yer spores the dews distill

Like honey mead

His knife saves laboured plight

an cuts ye up wi ready sight

Trenching yer gushing lentils bright

Like oanie ditch

An then o whit a glorious sight 

Warm steemin rich 

Ye powrs that own mankind av got nae care

Thir feeding folk crap fir bill o fayre

New scotlands seik eh yer stinking ware

Yons loupin wir in despair

Gie scotland a guid haggis