THE spirit of Burns was alive and well as the Dunblane BBs held their annual toast to the Bard.

Dunblane Cathedral Hall was packed to the gunwales, as fifteen S3 boys in the company planned and organised the supper along with their BB officers.

The event was well attended with a wealth of entertainment for the audience of parents, siblings, friends, supporters and members of the public.

Over the month of January, the boys gathered their ideas about current world events and celebrities, music, films and other artists and helped to shape the three main speeches of the night, which they delivered in groups, many having their first experience of proper public speaking.

They also got to put in to practice waiting skills, confidently managing tables of twelve people in pairs and delivering and clearing a four-course meal.

Musical performances were given by the S3 members of the BB Band and by Ruairidh Brown and Angus Crockett on pipes.

Fraser McManus addressed the haggis, while the Toast to the Lassies was delivered by George Lloyd, Sean Duff and Alban Sayers.

The reply from the lassies was an interesting affair in a BB company, but James Forrest and Joshua Spencer dressed up in special togs for the occasion and responded in a very lady-like manner.

The boys would like to thank the hard-working team of officers led by Mr. Anderson who coordinated the kitchen and cooked away all night long.

On the night, thanks to the raffle and full house, around £520 profit was raised for Boys’ Brigade funds, and thanks go to everyone who contributed in any way.

For more information about the Boys’ Brigade in Dunblane, please call 01786 823192, e-mail info@dunblanebb.org.uk or see facebook.com/dunblanebb