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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As a new year brings new beginnings, I'm reminded of how many of Robert Burns' writings have the "hope" of a new and fresh start. We usually think of 'fresh' as something new or recent and forget how the past is always with us and, in fact, may enrich our present. Fresh can also mean renovate and instill new life. To bring about a positive change into something that has withered with time. Which is what the National Trust for Scotland does. Instill new life. This respected organization is the caretaker or stewards of many historic places in Scotland that we hold dearly. They take an historical property, a building, a location and protect it. They renovate it. Restore it to its glory. The priority of keeping these properties safely in the hands of this organization is of utmost importance. They are the stewards of Scotland -- past, present and future! They also honor those individuals that share the same ideology. Which is why they created the "Great Scot" award. Past recipients of this award to name a few, include: Alan Cumming, Andy Scott and Sir Billy Connolly. And it's no surprise that this past year's recipient of the Great Scot Award was New York Times Best Selling Author, Diana Gabaldon. Through Diana's writing, there has been a major increase in tourism to Scotland. Through her works, many jobs have been created whether in tourism or in the television industry and more. She has been the best Ambassador for Scotland that we could ever have asked for.

Which is why we are celebrating both Burns and Gabaldon in the same evening. Burns would be proud to share the stage with such an illustrious writer and I could only imagine the amazing conversation they would have over Whisky and Haggis if Burns were alive today.

Our Burns Celebration is our main event out of a calendar of about 14 to 16 events throughout the year. For us, there is no greater honor as Scots, than to celebrate two people that think highly of freedom of speech and writing, and that share a love for Scotland.

We hope that you enjoy the coming schedule of events that we have planned for you and if you haven't purchased your tickets for our Burns Celebration yet, I would urge you to do so quickly as we are close to selling out. This dinner is being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and will be a memorable evening in every aspect!

In closing, I'd like to wish all of you a prosperous and safe new year. What we've been through together as human beings in the past three years shows us that we have the spirit and resiliency to flourish. As life has now taken on some normalcy, let's not forget that we should be grateful for what we endured and that we survived.  Let's celebrate!

I'll see you all soon,

Slainte ~

Kimberlee Bradford



The Four Seasons Hotel

Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Saturday, January 28th – 5:00 pm

with Special Guest

Diana Gabaldon

Join us as we celebrate the life of Robert Burns and honor Diana Gabaldon, the bestselling Author of "Outlander" who has promoted Scotland's rich history to more than 50 million readers worldwide!

Ms. Gabaldon was also the National Trust for Scotland's 2022 "Great Scot" recipient that is presented to a Scot or American who has made an impact in protecting Scotland's heritage.

Limited Tickets Available

Proceeds will benefit The National Trust for Scotland

which supports the conservation of Robert Burns Birthplace,

Culloden Moor Battlefield and many other historical sites. 

Performances by:

~ Len Pennie ~

~ The Highland Divas ~

Grammy Award Winning 

~ Blackwaterside ~

&

and more

The Evening Includes:

25 Whisky Tasting Reception 

The Four Seasons Culinary Experience

Complimentary Wine at Table

Entertainment

Dancing

Robert Burns Tributes

Parting Gifts & The Bard Box

Scottish Cèilidh

A Memorable Time!

Tickets on sale now!

NEW PODCAST

Martin Compston

In this interview, actor Martin Compston (star of the upcoming Amazon series "The Rig") talks about his early career, his iconic roles and the brand new TV series "The Rig" on Amazon.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

Monday, January 16th @ 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

Exclusively for St. Andrew's Members!

Scottish Country Dancing practice with Ann McBride

at the Celtic Arts Center

11110 Victory Blvd

North Hollywood, CA 92606

ENTERTAINMENT

The Water of Life

Filmed over 2 years in 6 countries across 3 continents, the story is an endearing love letter to the Blood of Scotland, its craftsmen and women, and the country itself. It is a story of rebels and alchemists who, against all odds, managed to breathe life back into a stagnant industry and put it on a path to become the global titan it is today.

St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles is a proud sponsor of "Water of Life" premiering on PBS January 25th

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Greg Swartz



Greg worked as a newspaper reporter in his native Pennsylvania, before giving it up and moving to Los Angeles to learn how to make films. After spending a year at Warner Bros., he moved into commercial production, eventually developing a client roster that included Kia, BMW, United Airlines, and Gray Advertising.

His directorial debut Another Harvest Moon — described by Box-Office Magazine as “Powerful, poignant, honest, uncompromising, and touching — won two “Audience Choice” awards and stars Ernest Borgnine, Piper Laurie, Doris Roberts, Cybill Shepherd, Anne Meara and Richard Schiff. It’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

After a high school drama club trip led him to spend two days in Edinburgh, Greg fell in love with Scotland, returning two years later as an exchange student in Glasgow. 

The film "The Water of Life" was born during a 10th anniversary trip to Scotland with his wife, during which they completed the North Coast 500. That was his 11th trip to Scotland. Making of the film has led to six more (so far). 

BURNS SUPPER RECIPES BY

CHEF GARY MACLEAN

Join Scotland's National Chef Gary Maclean as he shares his favorite recipes to supplement your haggis at your Robert Burns Celebration.

THE BOBBY BURNS COCKTAIL

via Liquor.com

Though not as renowned as drinks like the Manhattan, Sidecar or Martini, the Bobby Burns is a classic cocktail dating back to the early part of the 20th century. Similar to the Rusty Nail or Blood & Sand, it has the rare quality of being made with blended Scotch whisky rather than bourbon, rye or another spirit all together.

Like many storied cocktails, the origins of the Bobby Burns are fuzzy. The first available source for it dates to 1902’s bar book “Bishop & Babcock Company’s Fancy Drinks,” though in the book the recipe is referred to as the Baby Burns, and calls for one teaspoon each of vermouth and Benedictine, as well as a pony (generally considered one ounce) of scotch. Later, in texts like “Recipes for Mixed Drinks” in 1917 and 1930’s seminal “Savoy Cocktail Book” from Harry Craddock, the name was changed to the Bobby Burns; while there is always going to be some debate as to the meaning of the name, it’s likely an homage to the famed Robert Burns, widely considered the national poet of Scotland.

The cocktail itself is similar to a Rob Roy (named for another famous Scot), the scotch-based Manhattan variation. However, this drink (usually) sees equal parts scotch and sweet vermouth, rather than two-to-one proportions, and substitutes the traditional dashes of bitters for a half ounce of Benedictine. This herbal liqueur, like Green Chartreuse, is made with a proprietary recipe known only by a handful of people. What is known is that there are 27 herbs and spices in its blend, and the Benedictine is an essential part of the Bobby Burns.

While single malt scotches tend to get the most attention, blended scotches are more commonly used in mixed drinks. And though earlier recipes didn’t specify, modern takes on the Bobby Burns tend to follow this style. There are plenty of quality blended Scotch whiskies on the market, from the more famous labels like Johnny Walker, Chivas Regal and Famous Grouse to lesser known and newer expressions. Whichever bottle you use, go with a 12-year-old, which lends more smoothness, richness and complexity.

Similarly, the choice of sweet vermouth is up to you, but it’s recommended to go with something on the dryer, more botanical side like Noilly Prat or Punt E Mes. A bit of lemon zest, its oils expressed over the surface of the drink, finishes the Bobby Burns, and the drink is best served with a few Scottish shortbread biscuits and a collection of the poet’s works.

BOOK CORNER

Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns

Robert Burns is more than Scotland's national poet. With Shakespeare, Burns is an icon for the UK and Scotland he is a national symbol. This volume of poems and songs is a best-selling, beautiful edition of his work.

Calling All Potential Board Members

Think you have what it takes to be a board member of the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles? 

Qualifications:

• Applicant must be in good standing with their membership dues
• Applicant shall have been a member for a minimum of two years
• Applicant should adhere to bylaws

The SASLA AGM will take place on February 25th

at the Tam O'Shanter

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

It's that time of year! Please take a moment to renew your annual membership before it expires on December 31st. Or even better...become a Lifetime Member today!

(Split payment options are available)



UPCOMING EVENTS

Robert Burns Supper: January 28th, 5:00 pm

AGM: February 25th

The Scotsman's Ball (Clan Donnachaidh): March 4th

Tartan Day Parade: April 1st

Tartan Film Festival: April 1st thru 9th

Scottish Fest: May 27th & 28th

Kilt Krawl OC: May 27th

ScotTECH23: June (TBA)

Polo in the Palisades: August (TBA)

St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles

"Where Scotland Meets the City of Angels"



A very special thank you to our friends 

at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills