Robbie Burns celebrated in Selkirk

by Haldimand Press Staff

January 29, 2026

By Kerry J Newstead
The Haldimand Press

SELKIRK—Coming up the stairs at Selkirk Centennial Community Centre on January 24, 2026, attendees could hear the faint sounds of the pipes.

Reaching the top of the stairs, they were greeted with people in kilts and tartan clothing, along with the aroma of roast beef and haggis cooking. Many felt they had travelled to Scotland to celebrate the birth of Scottish poet Robbie Burns.

SELKIRK—Dancers Lori Yates and Karlyn Brown perform traditional Scottish dances during the 42nd annual Robbie Burns Night at the Selkirk Centennial Community Centre on January 24, 2026, where a large crowd gathered to celebrate the birth of Scottish poet Robbie Burns with piping of the haggis, a traditional supper, music, and dance. See more from the Selkirk celebration, along with coverage of the Robbie Burns event at Ruthven Park in Cayuga, on Page 13. —Haldimand Press photo by Kerry J. Newstead.

A large crowd at the 42nd Robbie Burns Night watched as Piper Jim Yates piped in the haggis, carried by Willie Mitchell, into the hall. With a strong Scottish brogue and a small quaich in hand, Jim Smith addressed the dish.

Supper was called, and guests were treated to roast beef, Scottish pies, haggis, and various vegetables, with carrot cake for dessert.

  • SELKIRK—Jim Smith (left) addressing the haggis, with Douglas Gifford, Willie Mitchell, and Piper Jim Yates.
  • SELKIRK—Drummer Allie Smith and Piper James Yates are shown performing some traditional music.
  • SELKIRK—Willie Mitchell, Douglas Gifford, his great-grandmother Lois Gifford, Piper James Yates, and Jim Smith after they addressed the haggis.
  • SELKIRK—Guests load up their plates for a delicious meal. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.

There were guests from across Haldimand and Norfolk counties, and some travelled from as far as Newfoundland to attend the supper. It was also a gathering of clans, with the Gifford and Yates families filling two rows of tables.

The evening continued with pipe and drum music, Scottish dancing, jokes, and a brief history of Robbie Burns.

One guest brought his guitar and played a Scottish song and special ditty for a young lady named Maeve.

Robbie Burns Night could not have happened without the support of the Selkirk Lions, who cooked the food and provided the beverages, and the Scouts, who did the cleanup duties.