Scottish tradition filled Adams Center Friday night, as the faculty-in-residence held a Scottish Burns Supper. Burns Suppers celebrate the life of a Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

Exchange students Claire Swan and Naomi Robinson, from the University of Dundee in Scotland, wanted to share this tradition with OU friends.

Swan and Robinson planned the supper with Adams Center faculty-in-residence Tim and Jeanette Davidson, associate professor of human relationsand associate professor of social work, respectively.

"It was just an excuse to get them to have haggis," Swan said.

Haggis is a sheep dish traditionally served at a Burns Supper.

Davidson said he appreciated sharing Scottish tradition with the OU friends and faculty.

"The thing that strikes me is that people from Scotland and the United States had a great time," Davidson said. "It was a mixture of fun, poetry and good company."

The low droll of the bagpipe, the bright red plaids of Scottish kilts, poetry by Robert Burns and the serving of haggis all made a memorable evening.

In a speech, Andy Kinnear, an exchange student from the University of Dundee, said Jan. 25 marked Burns' 242nd birthday. He described Burns as a farmer who got his inspiration from whiskey, women and life. He inspired the common people, giving hope to Scottish culture under threat from the English government.

Kinnear said Scottish schools taught him Burns' poetry, but he learned about the poetry long before the classroom.

"I did learn some of the poetry at school, but it's something you grow up with," Kinnear said. "Everyone has been to a Burns night - every Scotsman."

Those invited to the meal included about 30 OU students and faculty, representing a mixture of friends and others connected with Scotland. Many had good things to say about the supper.

Chad Ausburn, a recent OU graduate, said the night reminded him of the time he spent in Scotland while studying abroad.

"It's reminiscent of my year in Scotland," Ausburn said. "It feels like a homecoming for me."

Caroline Meston, zoology sophomore, said she enjoyed the evening and unexpectedly enjoyed the haggis.

"The experience was wonderful - to be able to get a glimpse of Scottish culture," Meston said. "The food was much better than I expected it to be - less scary."

The ceremony ended with a farewell from Swan in which she thanked those in attendance and encouraged them to read some of the Scottish poet's work.

"You've got a little bit of Scottish in you now," Swan said.
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