St. Andrew Society of Sarasota hosts Burns Supper

The annual Burns Supper celebrates the Scottish poet's birthday, camaraderie and Scottish heritage.

By Liz Ramos
| 9:00 p.m. January 21, 2023

Lakewood Ranch's Martha Gaffney loves hearing the history and poetry of Robert Burns every year at the Burns Supper.

East County
Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch's Martha Gaffney looked carefully at the board filled with images of the Scottish coat of arms.

She loves the St. Andrew Society of Sarasota's annual Burns Supper because it connects her with her Scottish roots.

"It's the one time we don't come to an event for the food," Gaffney said. "Although the Scotch eggs are really good."

Gaffney, along with 141 others, gathered at Palm Aire Country Club Jan. 21 to celebrate the 264th birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns.

"I love the history and the poetry of Robert Burns," Gaffney said. "I love the singing, dancing and camaraderie. We get to connect to our roots that go back centuries. You meet people from all over the world, and we already have something in common."

This year's Burns Supper had the largest attendance in the St. Andrew Society of Sarasota's history. Previously, the largest attendance was 132 people in 2015.

Greenfield Plantation's Mike Wilcox said the Burns Supper is a joyous and wonderful event where he and his wife, Jody Wilcox, can connect with old friends while celebrating their Scottish heritage.

"My favorite part is the whisky," Mike Wilcox said with a laugh and a glass of Scotch in hand.

Osprey's Barbara and David MacMillan are happy to be back at Burns Supper.

James Anderson, who is visiting from Pennsylvania, looks at the items available in the silent auction.

Brendan Nolan entertains 142 attendees during the cocktail hour.

Venice's Carol Schwenk, Susan Stewart and Carole Cornell have fun at the Burns Supper. "I love the friendship, fellowship, music and the fun," Cornell says.

Greenfield Plantation's Mike and Jody Wilcox say the Burns Supper is a "joyous and wonderful" event.

Bill Howard plays "Flower of Scotland" on the bagpipes while attendees sing along.

Palm Aire's Carl Morris says this year's Burns Supper had the largest attendance in St. Andrew Society of Sarasota's history with 142 attendees.

Olivia Schnell performs with Sarasota Young Voices at the St. Andrew Society of Sarasota's Burns Supper.

Eila Chandra sings "Amazing Grace" with Sarasota Young Voices.

Sarasota Young Voices performs at St. Andrew of Society of Sarasota's Burns Supper. The group will be going to Scotland to perform in the summer.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.