Burns question

Published on 26/01/2013 00:00

Some of the traditional Burns clubs not a million miles away are male only. 
Attendance at their Burns suppers is confined to members and male guests.

Even the Lassies’ Reply is delivered by a man, while the haggis is often borne in by “Poosie Nancy”, a man in drag.

At other Burns suppers, which are open to women, too often the content and tone of the speeches makes the experience a rather ­uncomfortable one for them.

Could the aforesaid possibly provide a clue as to why membership of Burns clubs is plummeting?

Jane Ann Liston

St Andrews