The Scotch Colony in Kincardine, New Brunswick held its annual Burns Night Concert at Burns Hall this past weekend. Two performances were held. A snow storm forced the postponement of Friday evening’s show to Saturday night at 8 PM and concluded with a dance. A matinee was held on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM, followed by a tea which included oatcakes, cheese, sandwiches, and shortbread. Both events were well attended and a grand time was had by all.
"Friends and Family Choir" performing at the Burns concert on Sunday afternoon at Burns Hall
Burns Night has been a tradition in the Scotch Colony since it was settled in 1873. Some of the earliest celebrations were held in the Kincardine one-room school. In 1911 the current Burns Hall was built by John McBeath Ellis after a fire destroyed the previous hall. Ellis arrived in the Colony as a child with his parents in 1873 aboard the Castalia.
1911 John Ellis, builder of Burns Hall, Kincardine, New Brunswick
Burns Hall has recently been refurbished by the people of the Colony. Much hard work has been lovingly done to update the building and its furnishings. Even the sign on the outside of the hall has been repainted by the original builder’s daughter, Kathleen Ellis Morton, now age 93 and the painter of the original sign when she was a young girl.
Watch for a new CD of the talented musicians that perform on Burns Night in the Colony. A live recording was made this weekend and will be followed by a second recording in January 2013 at the next Burns Night. The new CD will be available in time for the 140th anniversary celebration in the summer 2013.
