The January Court coincided with Burns Night, but who needs any excuse for a celebration of Scotland's internationally famous poet, as Liveryman Gordon Sharp reminded us in his well phrased Toast to the Immortal Memory.

We were delighted to welcome four newly clothed Liverymen and one Freeman, as well as representatives of our affiliate schools, the RRF and HMS Defender, and to have an excellent meal of Cock-a-Leekie soup, Haggis Tatties and Neaps and Raspberry Cranachan (many thanks to the caterers at the Hall, Graysons). And a piper to pipe in the Haggis, which Past Master Bob Upton splendidly addressed.

All this and singing too, as we launched into two Burns songs - Bonnie Doon and Auld Lang Syne - ably supported by Rebecca Cohen of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 

We were also delighted to welcome the Master Musician, Master Solicitor and Master Gunmaker to what was a splendid Court dinner, where the Master also sang for her supper, setting her speech to Westering Home and the Lewis Bridal Song. The Clerk showed her prowess in Scottish dancing.