Scottish poet and songwriter Robbie Burns. (File Photo)Moose Jaw's long-standing tradition of celebrating Scotland’s Favourite Son will be taking on a new look this year. 

Robbie Burns Night has traditionally taken place on the Saturday closest to Burns’ birthday on Jan. 25 at the Timothy Eaton Centre with about 100 people in attendance. But with the public health orders, organizers had to get creative. 

Organizers approached Rev. Jim Tenford at St. Andrews Church as he has been doing church services online and had the space and technology to hold a virtual Robbie Burns celebration. 

The program includes music by Desperate for Haggis and dancing by the Moose Jaw Scottish Dancers and the main event is the Address to the Haggis. 

“We got Andrew Gallagher to do the Address to the Haggis. He's done it two or three times now. He's recently from Scotland, so he has both the talents and the accent to make it work,” said organizer Don Mitchell. 

The celebration also includes a toast to the Lassies and response as well as a toast to the immortal Bard, the favourite son of Scotland. 

Robbie Burns was born in 1759 and died on July 21st, 1796 and was a legendary poet and songwriter, writing over 600 pieces of work. 

“He was a supporter of reforms, the abolition of slavery, and support for the principles of the American and French revolutions which were happening in his time. So, he was a progressive, especially in his later years,” Mitchell said. 

His messages are then adapted to the present day as part of the celebration. 

The Robbie Burns celebration was taped and can be watched below.