Joining millions of Scots and their descendants around the globe, Carolina Meadows residents paid homage to the Plowman Poet, Robert Burns, on his 250th birthday, Jan. 25.

A Scottish display in the Club Center breakfront alerted residents to the upcoming celebration. Peggy Kinnaird and Pepita Huddleston collected dozens of clan artifacts and reminders of family and visits to Scotland. Included were Kinnaird's silver drinking bowls (quaich), John Banks's blown glass goblets, June Kirby's Dewars jigger, Dick Ballard's book of Scotch Clans and Tartans, Jean Waldner's miniature silver chair from a Charles Rennie Mackintosh design and Jackie Heywood's Selkirt Grae coasters. Other residents offered a miniature bottle of Dewar's Famous Grouse Scotch whiskey, a clan tam o' shanter, scarves and jewelry.

Glamis Castle, Scottish hereditary home of Queen Elizabeth and the late Queen Mum, welcomed guests in the lobby. The 3-by-4-foot model constructed by Dick Ballard from discarded cartons was complete with towers, flags, a croquet court and British vintage cars. Sections of the painted facade could be lifted to view interior rooms. A large gold-framed 100th birthday portrait of the late Queen Mum, by Tony Armstrong Jones, overlooked her castle.

Guests arrived at the Scottish celebration dinner wearing a variety of kilts, neckties, scarves, jackets and jewelry. Three sittings were needed to accommodate more than 240 diners. Tables were decorated with fresh flowers, blue and white Scottish flags and individual clan flags made by Charles and Peggy Kinnaird.

Special guests seated in the adjacent private dining room were members of The Golden K of Chapel Hill Kiwanis. Carolina Meadows resident members John Banks, Gordon Battle, Ed Dickson, Henry Goldstein, Dick Leach, Joe Mengel and Dud Waldner hosted the group.

During dinner, a parade of kilted participants was led by bagpiper Bruce Wright, former Pipe Major of the Durham City of Oaks Pipe Band. Carolina Meadows Chef de Cuisine, Grey Bailey, carried a large, silver crested meat cover for the ceremonial Cutting of the Haggis. Webster defines Haggis as a Scottish dish made of the lungs, heart, etc. of a sheep or calf, mixed with suet, seasoning and oatmeal, boiled in the animal's stomach.

Not all non-Scot diners chose to sample the delicacy.

Besides Haggis, the menu featured a traditional feast of food and drink celebrating the birth of the poet. Scots worldwide enjoy the festival in their own enthusiastic style. Scottish delicacies included Cullen Skink with lobster and crawfish (creamy potato leek chowder); pheasant pate; Scottish smoked salmon salad; roast top round Angus Beef and popovers at the carving station; individual Forfar Lamb Birdies; Escallopes of Salmon on a bed of Leeks; Howtowdie roasted stuffed chicken breast with Drambuie sauce; Rumblethumps of potatoes, cabbage and leeks; assorted vegetables and Neeps; Scottish baps and scones.

A selection of desserts included Tipsy Laird, Drambuie trifle parfaits, old fashioned Treacle tart, chocolate whiskey Gateaux, Scottish all butter shortbread and Plum Duff with whiskey custard. The beverage special was McEwan's India Pale Ale (Scotland).

The program started at 7:30 in the auditorium. Charles Kinnaird, in full Scottish regalia, was Master of Ceremonies. Kilted prize-winning dancer Amanda Jones performed the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance to Wright's bagpipe accompaniment.

Soprano Jennie Anderson, accompanied by pianist husband Alec, entertained with Burns' familiar songs. John Banks, 94, also in full regalia, recited some of the poet's favorites, including "To a Mouse" and "A Man's a Man for a' That."

Resident Phyllis Dowd donated a bottle of Dewar's Scotch to raffle off during the program. 200 tickets were sold, and proceeds went to the Carolina Meadows Library.

An elated resident, Monroe Wechsler, won the raffle. The evening's celebration ended with a video of the annual Edinburgh Festival Tattoo, a favorite destination of Jean and Dud Waldner.

Everyone -- not just the Scots -- thoroughly enjoyed the Bard's 250th birthday party.

Dick Ballard is a resident of Carolina Meadows