Vet students celebrate Burns Night at Easter Bush

Students and staff from across the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies came together for an evening of traditional music, food and activities in honour of Robert Burns.

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Student piper, Laura Bond and Dr Geoff Pearson

Burns Night might be a traditional Scottish celebration held in honour of the  country's most famous poet, but it has also become a Vet School tradition. Five hundred staff and students hailing from all over the globe came together on Tuesday the 19th of January to enjoy haggis, neeps and tatties and raise a toast to the great Scottish poet 'Rabbie' Burns.

A musical bunch

On arrival to the event guests were treated to music by the Dick Vet Musicians, a student society comprising an orchestra and choir who regularly provide the musical backdrop to Vet School events. Courtesy of final year student Laura Bond, the haggis was piped around the tables for all to see.

Tartan trews and year reviews

Following the music, Dr Geoff Pearson, Senior Tutor & Dean of Students, impressively dressed in tartan from top to toe, welcomed everyone before inviting current Vet Student Council President Kelly Wyper to the stage.  She received applause for regaling tales of student successes from 2015, most notably beating Glasgow at 9 out of 10 events during the annual sporting competition dubbed 'Dick Day'. Head of School Professor David Argyle entertained the room during his speech in which he kept another tradition alive; that of wowing the students with his comedy talents and ever popular jokes.

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Vet students at the annual Burns Supper

Points mean prizes

Fuelled by traditional Burns Night fare, a pub quiz was next on the cards as students battled it out to test their non veterinary knowledge on subjects such as sports, public affairs and celebrities.  Even after the quiz winners had been announced and the prizes awarded, there was still a little time for singing and dancing before boarding the buses back into town.

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