Islanders will be dressed to kilt at Caledonian Ball

Fancy having a Highland fling at one of the island’s top hotels?

Bermuda’s Caledonian Society is hosting a ball to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s Patron Saint.

Islanders will be dressed to kilt in national tartan and performing traditional ­Scottish dances such as the Strip The ­Willow and the Dashing White Sergeant.

The Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and their dancers will also perform for guests.

And don’t worry if you do not know the dances — a special free dance practice will be held before the event to ensure you are a ‘reel’ star on the night.

The formal dinner and dance will be at the Fairmont Southampton on Saturday, November 27.

The evening kicks off with an open cocktail bar from 6:30pm, followed by the Grand March, Eightsome Reel and then dinner.

The mouthwatering menu features ­Scottish delicacies such as smoked salmon carpaccio, Scotch broth — a hearty ­vegetable soup made with lamb and barley — and a shortcake dessert.

A string of luxury raffle prizes are also up for grabs, including weekend stays at the Fairmont Southampton and St. George’s Club, dinner for two at the ­Waterlot Inn and spa certificates.

All proceeds from the event go towards the non-profit society’s charity endeavours.

They give annual donations to local good causes and previous beneficiaries include Hands of Love, the ­Bermuda Paralympic Association and the Menhuin Foundation.

The society also gives an annual $5,000 education grant to a Bermudian student who attends a Scots university or college.

This year’s recipient is Jonathan ­Starling, 31, who is studying for a Masters Degree in urban and regional planning at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh.

Caledonian Society president Scott Devine said: “The St. Andrew’s Ball has ­become one of the premier events in the Bermuda social calendar for good reason — it allows guests to come along, really let their hair down and have a great night learning traditional Scottish dances while meeting new people, and all while supporting numerous good causes.

“Scottish people are known for enjoying a good party and for their generosity and the St. Andrew’s Ball allows guests to do both. Even complete novices can take part in the traditional dances while enjoying performances by the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band. Their attendance allows us to ­continue our support of numerous ­deserving causes on the island as well as our educational grant.” 

The St. Andrew’s Day Ball is in ­Fairmont Southampton’s Poinciana Room on November 27 from 6:30pm. Tickets cost $175 from Ian Hind, [email protected] or 334-9627, or at www.premiertickets.bm. The ­hotel is offering a discounted room rate of $139 for ball guests. The free dance practice is at Spanish Point Boat Club on Wednesday, ­November 24, from 7-9:30pm. For more details about the event and the society, visit www.caledoniansocietyofbermuda.com or www.facebook.com/CaledonianSocietyof Bermuda