British Ambassador in Rome, , hosted an unforgettable
evening in honour of Robert Burns, Scotland's beloved bard.
The stately halls of Villa Wolkonsky transformed into a vivid
slice of Scotland last night as British Ambassador hosted an unforgettable
evening in honour of Robert Burns, Scotland's beloved bard.
Bringing together diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, and the
Scottish community in Rome, the event celebrated Scotland's
heritage through its iconic poetry, music, cuisine, and artisanal
crafts.
Over 250 guests, including ambassadors Julianne Cowley
(Australia) and Jackie Frizelle (New Zealand), and Italo-Scottish
X-Factor star Pablo Murphy, experienced an authentic taste of
Scottish culture. From the melodies of bagpipes to vibrant
tartans and exquisite whisky selections, the event was a joyous
tribute to Burns' enduring legacy and the timeless spirit of
Scotland.
A Night to Remember: Honouring Burns and Gaelic
Traditions
Guests were greeted by the stirring notes of the City of Rome
Pipe Band, leading them through Villa Wolkonsky's elegant halls
for the iconic Address to the Haggis. This centerpiece ritual saw
British Deputy Ambassador David Burton enthusiastically recite
Burns' famous ode, capturing the soul of Scotland's culinary
pride, the haggis.
The Selkirk Grace, a traditional Scottish prayer delivered by
Italian Honorary Consul in Glasgow Ronnie Convery, added a moment
of solemnity. For the gastronomes in attendance, the evening
featured a feast of Scottish delicacies prepared by the villa's
chefs, including salmon, haggis (vegetarian options included),
and the ever-popular roast beef and Scottish pie. Sweet treats
like sticky toffee pudding and traditional Cranachan rounded out
the indulgence.
Textiles Meet Royal Connections: Araminta Campbell's
Exhibition
A new highlight this year was an exclusive exhibit by Scottish
textile designer Araminta Campbell. Known for her intricate
tartan designs, Campbell was recently commissioned to create the
Balmoral Castle Hunting Tartan for King Charles III. Guests
marveled at her atelier's handcrafted fabric accessories,
showcasing Scotland's world-renowned craftsmanship and innovation
in design.
Toast to Tradition: Scotch Whisky, Scottish Gins, and
Festive Dance
An extraordinary showcase of Scottish distillates elevated the
evening, with a whisky lineup from Dalmore, Jura, Lochlea,
Kilchoman, and Cù Bòcan paired with handcrafted gins like Hills
& Harbour and Lind & Lime. These libations complemented
the hearty fare, inviting guests to toast to Burns' “Immortal
Memory.”
The lively program continued with a ceilidh, the traditional
Scottish dance led by the Rome Scottish Dancing Group and the
Coughdrops trio. Spirited performances of Loch Ness Monster and
Strip the Willow had attendees taking to the floor, embracing the
festive energy that embodies Gaelic gatherings.
A Cultural Celebration Uniting Nations
As the evening concluded with heartfelt toasts to Robert Burns,
Ambassador Llewellyn emphasized the significance of such cultural
celebrations in uniting communities and fostering deeper
international ties. “Robert Burns continues to inspire people
across generations and continents,” he noted. “Tonight, we
celebrate not only Scotland but the shared heritage and
traditions that connect us all.”
Villa Wolkonsky's enchanting transformation into a Land of
Scotland left an indelible impression, strengthening the bonds of
those who share a passion for Scottish culture, history, and the
arts.
