The annual charity fund raiser smashed the million pound mark and goes down in the record books with its own Guinness World Records title for the largest Burns Supper. The Glenrothes Single Malt sponsored the event and guests were given the opportunity to sample it’s latest expression, Vintage Reserve.

All monies raised on the night go to the Lord Provost’s Malawi Fund, the Lord Provost’s Charity Funds and Bobath Scotland, a Scottish charity devoted to improving the quality of life for children and adults with cerebral palsy.

Prior to the event, the Lord Provost said: “This event has raised more than £955,000 for charities since the council took it over from the former Strathclyde Region in 2003. I’m confident we’ll smash the million pound mark. I’m also delighted to reveal that a Guinness World Records adjudicator will be there as we bid to set the record for the largest Burns Supper.”

The Lord Provost was joined by broadcaster Paul Cooney, Former Managing Director of Capital FM who was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and Natasha Raskin of McTears auctioneers who was helping  to ensure the evening went smoothly.

645 attended the supper where they were met by World Championship piper Jim Semple, a retired police officer and six time winner in Grade 1 with Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

Headlining this year’s event was former River City actress Libby McArthur who played Gina in the popular BBC soap. She replied to the Toast to the Lassies.

Libby’s appearance follows her performance in ‘Mrs Barbour’s Daughter’ at Oran Mor as part of its series of A Play A Pie and A Pint runs.

The versatile actress, writer, columnist and director has a career that spans more than three decades. Roles include playing wife to Ford Kiernan and Andy Cameron, daughter to Miriam Margolyes, Annie Ross and Johnny Beattie; and sister to Andy Gray, Forbes Masson and Robert Carlyle.

The Toast to the Lassies was given by retired Glasgow lawyer Bill Copeland, renowned for his after dinner speaking.

Acclaimed singer and clarsach player Gillian Fleetwood made a return visit to the Burns Supper and there was also music and songs from up and coming Ayrshire teenager Laurie Withers.

Additional entertainment was provided by Musical Theatre students attending the Dance School of Scotland. Kathryn Ronney gave the address to the Haggis and Matthew Wilson recited two Burns poems.