On February 8, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel will stage the 15th edition of a Scottish-themed charity gala event honoring globally revered 18th-century Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
Bringing in thousands of dollars for local charities every year since its inception, the Burns Supper is unquestionably one of the standout landmarks on Tbilisi’s social map. The well-established version in the Georgian capital sits proudly alongside the countless Burns Suppers of the world, from Auckland to Aberdeen, from Calgary to Kingussie, which take place on or (relatively) near Burns’s birthday – January 25.
Features of a proper Burns Supper include mouthwatering food, plentiful drink, entertaining toasts, and Scottish country dancing, all of which are served up at the Tbilisi event, along with a live auction and a raffle with some magnificent prizes.
The holding of this year’s milestone supper had been in some doubt, given the backdrop of widespread peaceful protest against disputed election results, the Georgian government reversing on the country’s path toward European integration, and the ongoing detainment of pro-democracy activists.
Alastair Watt, master of ceremonies and co-organizer of the event alongside Sara Kemecsei, explained the organizing committee’s decision to go ahead with the event: “We know that, due to the situation and out of respect for those detained, many large-scale celebrations have been postponed or cancelled over the last few months. We fully respect such decisions, and deeply considered following suit. However, we concluded that, in these ambiguous times, perhaps more so than in any of the previous 14 years, our charities need us. Above all, this is a charity project, and we’re proud of what the event and its generous sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers have contributed over the years.”
Watt continued: “Sara and I have been in Georgia a long time. We both have half-Georgian children growing up here, and feel deeply connected to the country. So this wasn’t a decision taken lightly – but the firm and widespread support we’ve received since suggests it was the right one.”
Guests this year will once more be greeted by the unique blast of traditional Scottish bagpipes, played by Richard Jasper, who has piped at the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the last three summers.
With the occasion delivering authenticity at every turn, supper-goers can also look forward to a parade of the haggis (a Scottish delicacy), some poetry from the incomparable Burns, and toasts including the Selkirk Grace, the Immortal Memory, as well as the Address to the Lassies and the Reply.
A sumptuous four-course helping of Scottish-themed dishes will also be served, including the heavenly haggis, while an additional genuine touch of Scottishness comes from the live music performed by the Glencraig Band, who fly in yearly, made up of Nicol McLaren (accordion), Isobelle Hodgson (piano), and Maggie Adamson (fiddle).
The gleesome threesome, led by McLaren, will lure punters on to the dance floor to perform Scottish country dances such as the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant, and Strip the Willow.
A charity auction – one of the key money-makers for the event and its charities – will also be held, orchestrated masterfully as always by Cliff Isaak, who invites bidding contests for artworks and other precious items.
This year, the Tbilisi Burns Supper and Ball is supporting:
Temi Community (caring for a wide range of vulnerable people) – www.temi-community.org;
The International Women’s Association of Georgia (supporting small local organizations, families, and individuals for over 25 years) – www.iwa.ge; and
Dog Organization Georgia (providing shelter for stray animals along with sterilization, vaccination and adoption programs) – dog.org.ge.
“All three of our charities have great reputations and are broadly admired for the life-changing work they do, so everyone attending the event is in no doubt that they are helping truly valuable causes,” Watt told GEORGIA TODAY.
“When putting together an event of this scale, it’s vital to have total faith in the beneficiaries, and we absolutely do. The chosen causes also cover a wide range of areas, meaning that the money raised has a transformative effect on all sorts of Georgian lives” he added.
Reflecting on the history of the event in Tbilisi as it hits a milestone 15th edition, Watt took a moment to praise the Burns Supper’s organizers-in-chief, both past and present: “I say this every year, but make no apology for repeating myself. The existence of the event as we know it in Tbilisi is owed to Fiona Coxshall – her passion, commitment, high standards, and friendliness made the Tbilisi Burns Supper a roaring success for pretty much the entire 2010s. A level of preparation that’d make a royal wedding look like a farmers’ market! We’d dearly love to have her back one of these years. Her influence remains vivid in so many aspects of the occasion, not least the world-class napkin decorations.
“Fiona left some wee but multi-talented shoes to fill, and Sara really has stepped up to do so magnificently. As a relatively long-term Scot, I was perhaps expected to keep Burns going here after Fiona left, but that would never have happened without Sara – she has to take the credit here.”
Before reeling off to administer the first dance practice, Watt noted somberly that this year’s supper would be missing one of its biggest characters and contributors over the years, namely Rod Mackenzie, who passed away in May 2024.
Watt explained: “I remember Rod giving a toast at the first supper I attended in 2011. He made quite the impression. He was a legendary figure not only at Burns Suppers but across Tbilisi’s expat scene for decades. Clearly, he was proud of his Scottish roots, cloaked by a thick West Midlands accent. I knew him only a little, but many of our regular guests were fortunate to know him very well and will be missing him dearly. It seems only appropriate that a glass or two be raised in his memory this year.”
Tickets are selling rapidly for what will be another unforgettable evening, so those interested are advised to get moving and email burnstbilisi@gmail.com to reserve their place. Meanwhile, updates regarding the event are posted on the event’s Facebook page – Burns Supper & Ball Tbilisi – and the official website: www.burnstbilisi.com.
By Clare Grogan
