SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26 saw the Scottish clans living in the Lisbon area, together with family and friends, gather to celebrate the National Day of Scotland’s Patron Saint, St. Andrew. The 2005 St. Andrew’s Ball was held, as usual, in the ballroom of the magnificent Hotel Palácio in Estoril, resplendent with the Scottish Saltire and colourful flags and tartans.
Two hundred revellers enjoyed the pomp and ceremonial piping in of the haggis, by long time Algarve resident Malcolm MacGillivray, and the spirited address to the haggis given by Norman Reid. Following the dinner, guest speaker Stewart Lamont, the renowned BBC journalist and author, had the audience in stitches and suitably warmed up for the traditional Scottish dancing which followed.
The St. Andrew’s Society would like to express its gratitude to all of the sponsors, particularly Glenfiddich for providing the whisky for the evening, Companhia Agrícola do Sanguinhal for providing the wines and Distant Brits for organising the haggis.
The committee of the St. Andrew’s Society is now turning its attention to the next annual Scottish event – the celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Rabbie Burns. This is planned for Saturday January 28, 2006. If you would like more information about Burns Night, contact either the Chieftain David Wilkie on 967 957 952, the Secretary Theresa Adams on 912 306 353 or e-mail [email protected]
