The Scottish Society of Chattanooga, Inc. will host its 7^th annual Burns Night Dinner in honor of the 250^th birthday of Robert Burns, the “Bard” of Scotland. The event, which includes a full dinner of Scottish Faire, also features bagpipe music, entertainment from a traditional Celtic Band, SlipJig, and a historical tribute to the poet that will include some of his poems. The evening begins at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Centennial Center at 6:00 p.m. on January 19, 2008. A social hour will begin at 5:30.

The Scottish Society of Chattanooga, Inc. was founded in 2001 to promote Scottish heritage and events in the Chattanooga area so the many Scots of the region will have a connection to the culture of their heritage. In 2007, the Society was granted charity status as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization through the IRS. In addition to the Burns Night, the Society also sponsors a Kirkin o’ the Tartan and a picnic for its members.

SlipJig is a band dedicated to the proposition that music should be as much fun as possible. Their music comes from the traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and other Celtic lands. It spans a range of styles from high-energy jigs and reels to ancient airs and ballads to raucous pub songs. SlipJig plays with (mostly) traditional instruments in a (mostly) traditional style and while they make an effort not to break tradition, they admit to bending it on occasion. SlipJig is based in the Huntsville, Alabama area and was founded in 2003.

Reservations for the dinner are required. The cost is $40.00 per person. Reservation forms are available at www.chattanoogascot.us. Tickets for the entertainment only portion of the evening will be sold at the door at $15.00 per person. Tickets will go on sale at 7:30 and the entertainment will begin at 8:00.