An insight into how great figures like Abraham Lincoln, Sir Walter Scott, Thomas Carlyle and Robert Service were influenced by Robert Burns was given in the Immortal Memory at Halkshill Bowling Club in Largs.

Former editor and Burnsian Drew Cochrane proposed the principal toast at the long-established Burns Supper and related how famous figures wrote and spoke about Scotland's Bard.

Burns' poems, tales, songs and even letters demonstrated the language of the heart, said Mr Cochrane who has had the privilege of speaking and performing the works of the poet in different parts of the world.

Club president Tommy Donnachie presided in humorous fashion and laughter was the order of the evening right from the start when the haggis was carried in by Daniel Cairns, piped by teenager Angus McPhee and addressed with gusto by member Jim McLaughlin. Past president Bill Hamill gave the Selkirk Grace.

Two young ladies were making their debuts at Halkshill Supper with Morag Robertson, following in her mother's vocal chords, by singing Burns' favourites, 'Ye Banks And Braes', 'Jon Anderson' and 'Ae Fond Kiss.' Her friend, Jill Gilchrist, grand-daughter of former president James Gilchrist gave her first ever Reply from The Lassies with a clever, pawky poke at the male sex.

Jill was replying to a breezy, comical toast from solicitor Robert Honeyman who had plenty of entertaining stories about 'The Lassies.'

Recitations were in the expert hands of Jimmy Law who did his inimitable Tommy Cooper version of 'The Holy Fair' with props and changes of hats and masks. He also had the audience rolling in the aisles with his version of 'John Barleycorn.'

Drew Cochrane added to the classic recitations by galloping around as Tam O'Shanter, complete with Meg, the horse.

There was rousing audience singing of 'The Star O' Rabbie Burns' and 'Auld Lang Syne' before vice-president Tom Kelly gave an amusing vote of thanks to the artistes.