Celebrating ‘Burns supper’ at BAS Rothera Research Station Antarctica — MercoPress

Celebrate ‘Burns supper’ at BAS Rothera Research Station Antarctica

Haggis was transported aboard Britain’s most advanced research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national bard.

About 140 people, including 50 Scots, gathered for the largest ever Burns dinner in Antarctica. On Saturday, January 21, workers at the British Antarctic Observatory’s Rosella Laboratory in Antarctica celebrated the life of Robert He Burns at what is believed to be the southernmost location in the world.

Haggis was transported aboard Britain’s most advanced research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national bard. Kilt-wearing Rob Kerr was one of his hosts at Burns’ bash, playing traditional Scottish reels on the accordion and enjoying an after dinner sealy in full swing.

Site Agent Rob, 33, from Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, said:

There are about 50 Scots on site, 140 in total here. Finding dinner in a busy Barnes can be difficult.

Rob, a father of two, was sent to Antarctica in November and says Burns’ dinner is the perfect morale booster for people spending long periods of time away from loved ones. He said:

Rosella has a diverse culture and it’s great to share these traditions with people who haven’t experienced them.

People were really looking forward to this, but they changed their minds when they heard me playing the accordion.

I was proud to wear my kilt.

The Rosella Institute is part of the UK Government’s Polar Infrastructure Investment Programme, which keeps the UK at the forefront of world-leading climate change research in the Antarctic and Arctic.

Last Wednesday, January 17th, marked the 250th anniversary of British polar exploration after Captain James Cook aboard HMS Resolution became the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773.

“I would like to raise a toast to the Scottish people around the world who are celebrating Burns Night, even in Antarctica,” said Foreign Secretary James Cleverley. The UK Government is proud to support UK scientists who are at the forefront of polar research and are leading the world in tackling climate change.

Our continued investment in science builds on the legacy of COP26 in Glasgow, demonstrating our determination to drive a greener future and save the planet.

Employing over 16,000 staff in 179 countries and territories, the Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development Agency uses Burns Night to promote Scotland internationally around the world.