KLM, British High Commissioner welcome Scottish Bagpiper to Ghana for Scottish Day

KLM has officially welcomed a Scottish Bagpiper, Rory Monaghan to Ghana as part of Caledonian Society of Ghana’s preparations toward the celebration of “Calsocs Burns Supper” taking place on January 27, 2018 at the residence of the British High Commission.

As part sponsors of this year’s event, KLM flew in the Scottish bagpiper to Accra and was welcomed, on the tarmac by the Country Manager and Station Manager of AirFrance KLM, Mr. Dick van Nieuwenhuyzen and Mr. Fred van Engelen, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Mr. Iain Walker and the Chieftain of the Caledonian Society of Ghana, Mr. Andrew Monaghan.

The Captain of the flight officially handed-over the haggis, a traditional Scottish dish to the Chieftain of the Caledonian Society in Ghana while the bagpiper played in the background.

The Chieftain, British High Commissioner and bagpiper were dressed in traditional Scotland attire, the Scottish Kilt, a knee-length skirt-type garment worn with special socks and shoes with a jacket embellished by various badges and gold pendants.

Mr. Dick van Nieuwenhuyzen said KLM is happy to support international cultural exchange as an airline that flies frequently between Ghana and several European countries.

On his part, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Iain Walker expressed the commission’s interest in showing Ghanaians an authentic part of its Scottish culture.

The Caledonian Society celebrates the “Burns Night” on or around January 25 every year. The supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns, the author of many famed Scots poems.

The first Burns supper was held in July 1801 when nine of Burns’ close friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Taking place at Burns Cottage in Alloway, the night included a tasty meal (haggis, of course!), performances of Burns’ work and a speech in honour of the great Bard (now known as the Immortal Memory).

The night was such a resounding success they decided to hold it again (this time in honour of Rabbie’s birthday), beginning the tradition we still enjoy to this day.

Everyone enjoys a hearty feast ( which includes haggis, neeps and tatties, rounded off with drams of whisky) some of Burns’ poems and songs are recited and tributes are made to the great Bard.

About KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM.

The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.

In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 33,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.

KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive worldwide network offering more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to over 490 lounges worldwide.