The Banquet on the occasion of
THE UNVEILING OF THE STATUE OF THE POET ROBERT BURNS

The banquet was a splendid affair, for 300 diners, at 4.00 pm on the day of the unveiling, 18th July 1896, as we know from the banquet programme here displayed (if you wish it larger, just click it).

Menu

Clear Turtle Soup
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Salmon, Sauce Mayonnaise
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Scrambled Eggs and Asparagus
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Chaudfroid of Bordeaux Pigeon
Galantine of Duckling in Aspic
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Sirloin of Beef     Roast lamb
Beef Presalé
Spring Chickens     York Ham
Vegetables and Salads
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Charlotte Russe
Wine and Fruit Jellies     Fancy Pastries
Framboise à la Condé
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Strawberries and Cream
banquet menu cover
The Toast List was 14 toasts long - The Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales and the other members of the Royal Family, The Navy Army and Reserve Forces (with replies for all three!), Both Houses of Parliament (with replies by Lord Blythswood and Sir Wm Arrol, MP), The Provost Magistrates and Town Council of the Royal Burgh of Irvine, The Immortal Memory (by Poet Laureate Alfred Austin), The Donor of the Statue (by Mr Paterson, a friend from childhood), The Grand Master and Craft, The Sculptor, The Poet Laureate (by the Rev. Henry Ranken), Burns Clubs, The Statue Committee, The Chairman, and The Croupiers
The entertainment consisted of eight pieces of music, under the supervision of E H Green, Bandmaster, of the 4th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders