Local Scots celebrating Burns Night Monday

NEW GLASGOW - More than 200 years after his death, he is still known as simply "The Bard" in Scotland.
Poet and lyricist Robert Burns, widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, is still celebrated worldwide, particularly here in Pictou County, where Scottish roots run deep.
Locally, he will be celebrated on his birthday, Jan. 25, with a Burns Night at Summer Street Industries.
"This is the fun night for the St. Andrew's Society," says Troy MacCulloch, a member of the group. "It's the night where we celebrate being Scottish. In November, we have the feast of St. Andrew's, and it's much more reverent, we have a minister in for a blessing, that kind of thing. But this is where we celebrate."
The night will feature haggis, a meal and entertainment by Fleur Mainville and friends, as well as a celebration of Burns' life. Participants are encouraged to dress in traditional Scottish dress, including kilts, and there will be readings of some of Burns' work.
"He was living life at its best in Scotland, as long as he could," MacCulloch said. "He didn't live long, he was only in his 30s when he died, but he packed a lot of living into those 30 years."
This is the first time the event has been held at Summer Street Industries - previously, it was held in Pictou.
The event will get underway with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a meal at 7:30 p.m. and entertainment.
Tickets are $30 each and are available at the Downtown Book Exchange. Everyone is welcome to attend.