We met on the 24th January and It was a joy to be able to meet in person again - albeit observing all legal requirements and guidance regarding Covid precautions. It was a great pleasure to chat to friends without the constraints of Zoom.

We were delighted to be able to use the spacious members lounge area at Anstruther Golf Club and many thanks to the Golf Club for making it possible.

Catering as usual was provided by The Rockies restaurant, with a menu augmented by a seasonal  supplement of haggis, neeps and tatties. 

Following business, we were treated to an outstanding talk by club member Ian Brunton; a farmer and someone deeply interested in - and with an encyclopaedic knowledge of - the life of Robert Burns.

Ian took a most unusual look at Burns’ life and times, comparing agriculture and the way of life for farmers from Medieval times through the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries - and then on to current practice. We were taken on a fascinating journey that reminded us of just how precarious life then was, with the constant fear of bad weather, poor harvests and of famine. A reminder too of how privileged we are to live today. Despite troubles, complaints and concerns, a golden age. 

Burns lived in a time of revolution; political certainly, but also in science, engineering and exploration. The French revolutionary wars; the Seven Years war; James Cook mapping New Zealand and Australia; Adam Smith publishing his Wealth of Nations; Richard Arkwright building his first water powered mill; the Industrial Revolution starting, with profound implications for the rural way of life;  new and efficient ploughs being designed. And so much more.

Altogether a fascinating and extremely well-researched talk. Following questions an appreciative vote of thanks was proposed by Bill Batchelor.