Burns night

[uncle tom]

This Scottish tradition generally passes by un-celebrated in the LoS, but the excuse for a serious pub crawl coupled to sticking it to the ladyboys with a bunch of real men in skirts, has a certain attraction..

- Anyone know how to play the bagpipes?

Neets, tatties and haggis could be arranged with due notice..

[MDMK]

Neets, tatties and haggis could be arranged with due notice..

It's neeps not neets

Depending on accent neets would be nits (headlice), which are never nice with potatoes and haggis

[dtaai-maai]

I think there are plenty of Burns Night celebrations, but not necessarily organised by bars.

[HHTel]

I lived in Greenock for many years so have been to a few Burn's nights. Pouring good whiskey over a haggis, I believe, is a waste of good whiskey.

I was initially curious about 'neeps'. Why can't they call them turnips like everyone else?

[dtaai-maai]

I lived in Greenock for many years so have been to a few Burn's nights. Pouring good whiskey over a haggis, I believe, is a waste of good whiskey.

After living in Greenock for many years, you really should know that whiskey is not Scottish!

[MDMK]

I was initially curious about 'neeps'. Why can't they call them turnips like everyone else?

Because then "The English" would know what they're talking about.

[MDMK]

After living in Greenock for many years, you really should know that whiskey is not Scottish!

to be fair though, anyone surviving Greenock for anything more than a week should be given carte blanche for any mistakes in life, except possibly murder

[Big Boy]

I'll be honest, I was thinking the same. They eat their young in Greenock. I used to drive through Greenock taking the coastal route to Largs, and that was enough for me.

[MDMK]

I'll be honest, I was thinking the same. They eat their young in Greenock. I used to drive through Greenock taking the coastal route to Largs, and that was enough for me.

oh.... you just made me think of Nardini's in Largs

driving through Greenock is ok... providing you don't drive too slow, they'll have your wheels off otherwise

[dtaai-maai]

Not knowing anything about Greenock, I thought mdmk was being a bit harsh, so I looked it up on Goggle. It turns out you are both being unfair, as Greenock has a fine selection of tourist attractions and a rather special musical heritage.

Both of these are evident from the video below, telling in music the story of Greenock's famous Yellow House that a dastardly local council ordered should be painted white.

[MDMK]

I rest my case m'lord

[Big Boy]

oh.... you just made me think of Nardini's in Largs

driving through Greenock is ok... providing you don't drive too slow, they'll have your wheels off otherwise

Nardini's ice cream seems to be the only thing Largs is famous for, although the Indian buffets (Monday night if I remember correctly) were epic.

There were several traps (red lights) where you had to stop, as you drove through Greenock.

Anyway, we're a long way off topic

[HHTel]

I lived in Greenock for many years so have been to a few Burn's nights. Pouring good whiskey over a haggis, I believe, is a waste of good whiskey.

After living in Greenock for many years, you really should know that whiskey is not Scottish!

Oops! However:

The main difference between whisky and whiskey is of course the spelling. This reflects the original Scots and Gaelic derivations of the word 'Uisce beatha', meaning Water of Life, with each variation being carried through to modern use. Irish immigration to America in the 18th century means that we also refer to American 'whiskey' spelled with an e.

But 'whisky' and 'whiskey' are just two varieties of a wide family of spirits and alcohol - understanding what makes each one different key to unlocking a spectrum of flavours and experience

[HHTel]

I'll be honest, I was thinking the same. They eat their young in Greenock. I used to drive through Greenock taking the coastal route to Largs, and that was enough for me.

After living in Greenock for many years, you really should know that whiskey is not Scottish!

to be fair though, anyone surviving Greenock for anything more than a week should be given carte blanche for any mistakes in life, except possibly murder

Honestly, I actually enjoyed my time there. I met my first wife there. Learned a lot and became a local!
Greenock (pronounced Green-ock and not Grennock 'We're off to join a branch of the Green Oak Tree') was my home for quite a while.
Loved some of the food:
'Spiced beef ham'
'Fried Dumplin''
'Shell Pies'
'Scotch Broth'
'Cock a Leekie'
'Tattie Scones'
'Tablet'

Couldn't stand Haggis!

A pint of heavy (same as bitter in England)
If you can't afford whisky then you drank Lanliq or 4 crowns (cheap wine) which was about 13 bob a bottle.

Got to know the difference between a 'Prody' and a 'Fenian' (having made a few mistakes)

Got to see Billy Connoly before he became anglicised. (his jokes were much better in Scottish slang)

Could recite 'Ode to a mouse' in full. A wee sleekit coorin timorous beestie .....

And they do Hogmonay and Nee'rday far better than the English.

Sorry, just had a walk down memory lane.

[HHTel]

Oh, I forgot Lorne Sausage which you can get excellent ones at Nany's. Exactly the same size as a slice of Aro bread!

Known as 'Slice' over the border.