Lord Provost Eva Bolander has fun hosting first charity Burns Supper

Published: 25 January 2018

Glasgow's new Lord Provost hosts her first charity Burns Supper at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel and raises £40,000 for good causes.

River City actress Libby McArthur was Master of Ceremonies at the glittering event, the city's 22nd Burns Supper, where guests celebrated the life and legacy of Robert Burns and fundraise for charity.

The Lord Provost said: "I'm really excited to be hosting my first Burns Supper. It's always great fun. I'm looking forward to welcoming my guests and enjoying an evening of first class entertainment.

"The Bard is a global icon and celebrated across the world. I feel hugely honoured to have this opportunity to host the world's biggest and best Burns Supper celebrating the life and work of a man whose words continue to endure and resonate across countries and continents.

"Burns is a compelling and complex Scot. Well-known for his strong sense of social justice and internationalism. His work expresses many fundamental values and sentiments held dear by this nation. It also conveys the unique romance and beauty of Scotland.

"So it's wonderful to welcome international guests to my Burns Supper, including the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Sarah Fountain Smith and visitors from our twin city Rostov-on-Don, here attending a series of national Holocaust Memorial Day events Glasgow is hosting.

"I'm delighted to announce that The Lord Provost's Charity Funds for Children and Vulnerable Citizens, the Lord Provost's Malawi Fund and Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis are the causes that will benefit this year."

The First Citizen was joined by Natasha Raskin Sharp of McTear's Auctioneers, and a familiar 'expert' face on television programmes like: Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Flog It!, Bargain Hunt and For What It's Worth.

As well as John Haining, former Glasgow Police Superintendent and Past President of the Robert Burns World Federation Ltd, who gave the Toast to the Lassies; and BBC television and radio broadcaster Alison Walker, who delivered the Reply on Behalf  of the Lassies.

Actress MarieClaire McGuinness recited Tam O'Shanter, the Moderator of Glasgow, Rev Ian Galloway gave the Selkirk Grace and Charlotte Fleming from the Dance School of Scotland the Address to the Haggis.