Soil Association Scotland are teaming up with the REAL (Real Education Active Lives) project at Inverness High School to host an organic Burns Supper in January, with recitals, speeches, music and dancing; and an ‘Immortal Memory’ served up by author and broadcaster Jimmie MacGregor.

The Burns Supper will be a chance to celebrate the life of Scotland’s famous bard, and to toast the success of the REAL project, which is creating life-changing opportunities for students at Inverness High School. Through improvements to the curriculum and facilities, work experience, and community involvement, students are gaining invaluable skills and knowledge. For example, students grow vegetables in the school grounds and sell them at Inverness farmers’ market through the REAL Organics initiative. They will also be providing ingredients for the Burns Supper.

The event will provide valuable work experience, with pupils helping to grow, cook and serve the meal. Drama students from the school will perform a dance piece based on Burns’most famous poem, Tam o’ Shanter.

Alex Kinnear, marketing co-ordinator for Soil Association Scotland, said:

“I first heard about the REAL project through REAL Organics, which grows veggies in the school grounds and sells them at Inverness Farmers’ Market, and I immediately wanted to involve them in our event.

“The project embodies what Soil Association Scotland is campaigning for – local food, health, community, enterprise, sustainability - it’s a natural fit. We’re looking forward to a good turnout from the local farming and business community, as well as family and friends of the pupils.”

The supper will be held on Wednesday 24 January. Tickets are £28 for Soil Association members, £35 for non-members, and include a four-course meal, drinks and entertainment.

To book tickets, visit www.soilassociationscotland.org

contact Alex Kinnear on 0131 666 2474, or email akinnear@soilassociation.org