Are you yearning to toast and taste the haggis, that offal-laden Scottish pudding of organs, suet and oatmeal boiled in a sheep's stomach and presented on a platter? Depending on your point of view, you're either out of luck or in, because haggis (the traditional kind) is banned in the U.S. on account of the sheep's lungs. But we have several other Scottish treats in store for you, as well as some haunting music, a selection of bleak, wild and whisky-focused pictures, and authentic readings of poetry by Robert Burns. Come help us celebrate the birthday of Scotland's national bard on Friday, January 25th at Castleton Free Library at 6:30 pm.

Lilian Sheren, who was born and raised in Edinburgh and leads tours to her beloved homeland, will recite some poems and chat about Burns's colorful life, perhaps also helping the unaccustomed ear to understand the Scots tongue and forms.

Ivy Marr will give an informal photo presentation, about 30-minutes long, including anecdotes and images from the West Highland Way as well as whisky touring (unfortunately, we are a "dry" building, but local establishments will still be open afterward if talk of wee drams makes you thirsty). Ivy's old roots in Glasgow and Aberdeen prompted several trips to tour and walk the long footpaths of the Highlands. She'll relate a few of the high points and challenges of walking solo the 96 miles from Milngavie (outside Glasgow) to Fort William. She's happy to answer any questions potential walkers might have about the WHW or the Great Glen Way (the subject of a program last year).

The celebration is free and open to all. We encourage you to wear tartan plaid - a full out kilt if you have one, but anything plaid will do. Or Harris tweed. Flaunt your clan if you know it. But the truth is, we'll still let you in wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, even if your only link to Scotland is enjoying good scotch or reading Outlander.