Blest Be the Ties That Bind

Roy Thompson knows his Scottish history backward and forward. He also knows plenty of lighthearted jokes that poke good-natured fun at his fellow Scots. Yet when it comes to talking about the Scottish Society of the Treasure Coast, he’s a straight man championing the not-for-profit organization that promotes the culture, heritage and traditions of the Scottish people. As president emeritus, he enthusiastically shares the society’s latest news. 

“This is a big year for us. We are celebrating our society’s 25th year, and it’s been 225 years since the death of Robbie Burns,” says Thompson, referring to Scotland’s national poet, whose colorful pub songs, poems and political views garnered admiration, anger and an abundance of dinner invitations. 

For Scots, Burns Day is as important as St. Patrick’s Day is for the Irish and the Fourth of July for Americans. That’s why after a year in isolation due to COVID, society members and guests were more than eager to gather at Regency Park’s ballroom for the annual Robbie Burns Dinner earlier this year.

Decked out in Highland garb or black tie (the garb had it), members and friends celebrated the best of what Scotland is known for, including haggis. While the traditional dish is described as “a savory pudding with a delicious mixture of meats and oats,” there are some Scots who would disagree, as more than one has been heard to whisper to a dinner partner, “The best way to have haggis is to pour Scottish whisky over it and close your eyes.”