Page 19 of Highlands Homecoming

They looked at Melissa blankly.

“We get the day off. Some people go to events—historical talks, that kind of thing. Most people go skiing,” said Melissa.

Lindsay shook her head. “No. This is a proper holiday—no offense—but it’s a little like Thanksgiving to a certain extent. There’s a focus on the meal. It’s called a Burns Supper. There’s a set menu, set events. It’s all about celebrating the poet by reading his poems.”

“They really read them? It’s not just ‘Happy Burns Day, let’s have the day off’?”

“Most people go to work, but at night there are celebratory dinners and people read his poems. Really. It’s a thing,” said Lindsay.

“The most important readings that everyone always does areTheSelkirk GraceandAddress to a Haggis. But they can read any of his poems. The diners sit at tables, and we ‘pipe in the Haggis.’ That means a bagpiper plays as someone ceremoniously carries in the haggis on a tray,” said Sydney.

“The meal is usually served family-style,” Lindsay continued. “First course is either Cullen Skink or cock-a-leekie soup, then haggis, neeps and tatties, and that’s when someone reads Burns’ famous poem,Address to a Haggis. Then there might be dancing—remember those sword dancers we saw back before Christmas at the Highland Games, Melissa?”

Melissa nodded.

“They dress in traditional outfits and perform that dance, then various guests read poems by Robert Burns. We drink Scotch, listen to the poems, and enjoy the meal,” said Lindsay.

“That sounds amazing. What a lovely holiday!” said Melissa.

“It really is. And it’s not just the sort of people who read poetry or the book group types. Most Scots enjoy the holiday. It’s good food, good company, and a nice way to keep the holiday spirit going through the January blahs,” said Sydney.

“That sounds great. I’m happy to help however I can!” said Melissa.

“Well, great! Today’s … what? January 15th. We’ve got ten days. The menu is a no-brainer: cullen skink, haggis, neeps and tatties, plenty of Scotch, and probably cranachan,” said Lindsay.

“And I’ll hire a piper, some dancers, and someone to read the poems,” said Sydney.

“I can’t wait!” said Melissa.

“Pure dead brilliant,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay watchedonions sizzle in a pan and stirred them as she phoned her father, Alexander “Sandy” MacGregor. She knew if she texted, he wouldn’t see it right away, but he’d always answer a phone call.

“Hello, Da!”

“Hello! How are things going at the restaurant?”

“We’re working out the menu. A lot of the items will be the same as at the MacAlister Inn’s other location, but I am trying out some new ideas as well. I wonder if you’d like to come over tonight and sample some dishes?”

“Absolutely,” he said cheerfully.

Chapter9

Melissa took Sydney up the decorative wooden staircase to the guest rooms. “I’m thinking we’ve got to get rid of the wallpaper,” Melissa began.

“Definitely,” said Sydney.

“Then we can brighten everything up. What people love is the woodwork, the charm. But we don’t need this dated carpeting. Now, as far as the furniture, here are my ideas: We keep the stuff that looks antique or classic. But what do you think of getting rid of all this art deco stuff?”

“What would we put in? Anything too modern will look out of place,” said Sydney.

“Exactly. So we go with minimalism,” began Melissa as she looked around the space. “Simple, classic wood. Dark cherry will be fine—anything too light will look out of place with the trim and all the woodwork in the hallways. We put in oversized, ultra-comfortable beds with amazingly soft sheets—maybe bamboo—and we go for a really minimalist design. White. Navy. Some plaid throw pillows and nice tartan throw blankets. A modern classic tartan chair in the corner. And then all the updated amenities for coffee, phone charging, streaming television, and really strong wifi.”

“That’s exactly it,” said Sydney, excited.

“And really sleek, modern-yet-classic bathrooms—maybe some nice blue and white tile.”

“I love it. Perfect. And you can keep the costs down?”