Singer and actor Fiona Kennedy broadcasted her annual Burns supper online on Tuesday 25 January to support the Voluntary Service Aberdeen and Camphill School
By Olivia Mackenzie Smith
Image courtesy of Fiona Kennedy
The celebration featured readings from Kennedy’s daughter Sophie Kennedy Clarke, Hollywood star Alan Cumming, broadcaster Mark Stephen, John Bett and Francis Clark.
There were also musical performances from instrumentalists Paul Anderson, Nils Elders, Frank Thomson, Neil Burse, Fergus Mutch, and songs provided by both ballad singer Shona Donaldson and the university’s own chamber choir.
The haggis, crucial to any Burns Supper, was provided by Craig Wilson, ‘the Kilted Chef’.
Kennedy has stated:
''After two years of no 'live' Burns Suppers or events it was brilliant to be able to get together to film Nae Ordinary Burns Supper with such a stellar cast from Hollywood to Huntly!
''The University Chamber Choir is superb and a real joy to listen to - we all were knocked out by their beautiful singing."
When commenting on the significance of this event to the university, Katrina Allan, Head of Alumni Relations & Regular Giving, said:
“Ever since the University was founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen, support from individuals has been crucial to enabling the provision of a first-class education.”
She added that last year’s virtual event, the ‘Extraordinary Burns Supper’ raised more than £33,000 exclusively for the Development Trust’s Covid-19 525 Bursary Fund in support of students facing severe financial hardship due to the pandemic.
This year’s Nae Ordinary Burns Supper, which has been organised externally, will support a number of local charities including the Development Trust Fund.
Allan included, “We are always hugely grateful for the generosity shown by our global alumni and donor family.”
Although the event was broadcasted on Tuesday 25th January, it can still be accessed by purchasing tickets through Eventbrite.
Funds from tickets purchased will go towards the chosen charities.
