This is our second visit to Lore of the Land, but that was before Friday Night Dinners. On that occasion we went because they make their own beers (Gritchie Brewing Company). This time, we went because of a specific event: a Burns Supper.

Burns Night, January 25th, is when the Scot celebrate the life and poetry of the poet Robert (Robbie) Burns. It is traditional to serve haggis, neeps (swede), and tatties (potatoes); and of course a wee dram to toast with.

But this is a blog about dinner.

Our dinner started with some bannock bread and a Whisky Mac upon arrival. Soon we were tucking in into our starters, some whisky cured salmon tartlets, followed by hand dived scallops with cauliflower purée. The latter was also served with slices of picked cauliflower.

In between the starters and mains we had a whisky tasting of Crabbie and Bonnington malts. To be honest, the whiskies (and especially the 30-year-old one) were disappointing. They were mostly young and had very little flavour. But the experience of a guided whisky tasting was lovely, and other people around our shared table were very much more liking it. I think we are spoiled.

Before we started with our main, the Haggis was "piped in", and announced through Robbie's poem "Address to a Haggis". The haggis was well spiced, the mash was smooth, and the neeps just slightly mushy. Some fried onions were sprinkled on top, and a whisky cream sauce poured over.

After our meal, and during pudding (shortbread with Caledonian Cream and Marmalade) there were toasts to the lassies, and replies to the laddies — a humorous and mostly clean episode.

We enjoyed our dinner, and it was nicer than at Brown's last year. Although the whiskies weren't too much to our liking, we still had an enjoyable evening. I think we'll try to find a different venue for a burns night dinner next year though.