Robert Burns meets Burma at college dance with difference

Published on Monday 16 February 2009 09:21

NEWBATTLE Abbey College held a Burns Supper which united the work of Scotland's Bard with the people and culture of Burma.

The event was hosted by the College and the Burma Educational Scholarship Trust (BEST), which helps deliver English for Speakers of Other Languages courses to political refugees from Burma. Newbattle has welcomed three Burmese students to study at the College in recent years.

The supper brought together staff and students, representatives from BEST, and guest speaker John Htet Khin, a prominent member of the Burmese community. After tucking into haggis, neeps and tatties, three Newbattle students provided speeches.

The night was rounded off with a traditional Scottish ceilidh.

Newbattle Abbey College Principal Ann Southwood said: "The night was an astounding success and staff, students and guests all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"The Burmese theme to the evening was a great way to bring the two cultures together and highlighted the plight of the people of Burma and raised awareness of the work being done to provide educational opportunities for Burmese people in Scotland."