The UK embassy in Argentina is to host its first ever Burns Supper after a diplomat whose household are from the poet’s birthplace was appointed as ambassador.
Kirsty Hayes has at all times cherished the celebration and has organised an inaugural occasion for 30 dignitaries at her official residence in Buenos Aires for Burns Evening on January 25.
She was born in Aberdeen nonetheless, her father was from Alloway, Ayrshire birthplace of Robert Burns whereas her grandmother shared the title Elizabeth Paton with the mom of the poet’s first youngster.
Mrs Hayes, 44, was appointed to her function as ambassador in September, changing Mark Kent, who’s now chief government of the Scottish Whisky Affiliation.
A mural of Robert Burns on the ocean wall at Ardeer seaside, close to his birthplace of Alloway (Jane Barlow/PA)
(PA Archive)
She mentioned: “My household’s Alloway roots imply Burns Evening has at all times been an enormous factor for us and I’m reliably knowledgeable that this would be the first time the Embassy in Buenos Aires has hosted a Burns Supper.
“I used to be born in Aberdeen, however my father was from Alloway and regardless that we moved a couple of good bit rising up, we at all times visited Ayrshire on vacation to see my granny and my aunt.
“Burns’ first youngster was born illegitimately to a servant lady, Lizzie Paton, and that’s my gran’s title so perhaps there’s a household connection.
“I’ve at all times cherished going to Burns Suppers and though this inaugural occasion is small due to the Covid scenario, the plan is to construct on this for the long run when issues get again to regular once more.”
Final yr, Mrs Hayes led the embassy’s first St Andrew’s Day occasion, attended by 70 individuals, which celebrated the Argentine authorities lowering tariffs on Scotch whisky.
She mentioned: “It was the primary time haggis had been served on the ambassador’s residence in Buenos Aires. The cook dinner didn’t put it contained in the abdomen, nevertheless it tasted actually good.
“They made cranachan and tried to make pill, though that didn’t end up as nicely. They’re going to have one other go for Burns Evening.
This Burns Evening, I wish to salute the various Scots on the coronary heart of delivering UK overseas coverage as a drive for good world wide
Liz Truss, International Secretary
“My Argentine company instructed me they cherished the haggis, however one in all my Argentine workers suggests they have been being diplomatic, though there have been undoubtedly no complaints concerning the whisky.”
She added: “It drives me mad if I’m launched because the English ambassador, in order that’s why celebrating Burns Evening and St Andrew’s Day is at all times vital to me.”
Folks across the globe have a good time Burns Evening to mark the anniversary of the poet’s delivery on January 25 1759.
In neighbouring Brazil, Fiona Lappin, from Ayrshire, growth director on the UK embassy in Brasilia, will likely be addressing the haggis at a Burns Supper there.
Ambassador Peter Wilson will likely be internet hosting an occasion for 40 company in Brasilia, at which there will likely be an official presentation of three units of MacRae bagpipes to Brazilian navy chief, Admiral Almir Garnier Santos.
International Secretary, Liz Truss, mentioned: “This Burns Evening, I wish to salute the various Scots on the coronary heart of delivering UK overseas coverage as a drive for good world wide.
“Kirsty and Fiona’s tales spotlight how the UK Authorities is utilizing its intensive consular community to strengthen friendships and open up buying and selling alternatives for Scottish business.”
Kaynak: briturkish.com
