Scottish tradition comes alive during annual Robert Burns dinner (8 photos)

The spirit of Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns was alive this weekend, as Saultites piled into the Marconi Event Centre for an evening of song, dance and food at the annual Robert Burns Dinner and Ceilidh Saturday.

About 250 people attended the event, which has been hosted by MacLeod Highland Dance Studio every year since 1999. 

The event was highlighted by an elaborate haggis procession led by two pipers and 10 flag bearers, which led up to the address to the haggis - and of course, a number of toasts to the lads, lassies and Burns himself. 

Saturday's event also saw a number of social, traditional and highland dance routines performed throughout the night, as well as performances by a cadet pipe band.  

“I think it’s a fun family event, and it’s maintaining the tradition of Scotland that’s so broad in this community,” said Catherine MacLeod, owner and director of MacLeod Highland Dance Studio. “We want to maintain that, and makes sure that the younger kids coming up have a good feeling for the traditions of the past.”

Robert Burns was born Jan. 25, 1759.