MERKINCH Community Centre’s 25th Burns Supper was both a happy and a sad occasion. For although it was as always a tribute to the effective preparations of the organisers, the generosity of the sponsors, and the talents of the speakers and performers, the leader of the organising team, MCA chairman Ann McCreadie, has said it will be the last she will run - she aims to retire and next year sit, without any responsibilities, and enjoy the event.

The occasion was also notable for another reason - it was the first public engagement together, in the constituency, of local MP Charles Kennedy and his fiancee Sarah since they announced their engagement. Among those also present were MSP John Farquhar Munro, and Auntie Jean of Moray Firth Radio.

The Liberal Democrat leader gave the Immortal Memory after Hugh Chisholm addressed the haggis. Ramsay McGhee toasted The Lassies - and his very understanding wife Ann replied! Bob Donaldson gave an impressive rendering of Tam O’ Shanter.

Minnie Vardy had perhaps the hardest job of all the speakers, making a lengthy and hilarious resume of the evening’s events. Billy Nelson was the ever-popular master of ceremonies and the pipers and musicians - including the Marlettes and singer Andrew Green - added greatly to the evening’s entertainment.