THE Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran hosted its annual Burns Supper at Balbirnie House, Glenrothes, on Friday night, writes Kerry Black.

This is a chance for ExxonMobil, not only to celebrate the work of our national bard, but to thank many of the people and agencies it engages with regularly in the local area, with a special mention to the emergency services, who were well represented.

Guest were greeted at the door by Greig Wilson, an award winning piper, who is a Mossmorran employee, before being given introductory drinks, with an opportunity to have your photograph taken, prior to the commencement of the main event.

The evening was hosted by Mrs Sonia Bingham, the new Plant Manager. Sonia is a true advocate of Exxon’s famed training programme, having started out as a trainee, she is now Fife’s first ever female manager.

As a Scouser she readily admitted, she had never attended a Burns Supper before, but gave a great rendition of Burns in her welcoming speech!

Exxon are very proud of their safety record, it is over 20 years since there was any form of accident at Mossmorran, also, their education and training programme. Many of their current management team have worked their way up through the ranks via their superb schemes.

After a wonderful dinner, encompassing the best of Scotland’s Larder, including the mandatory Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, there was a short break prior to the entertainment.

While they always have some professional Burns speakers addressing the audience, they also have some of their own staff involved. It was great to see one of their younger members, Ben Sherriff doing his first ever “Address to the Haggis”. He admitted he had been reciting it all over the plant!

Best of all the incomparable Jack Wardell, regaled the throng with Tam O’Shanter, complete with a plumed Tam O’Shanter bunnet and a wee dram or three!

Musical entertainment for the evening was provided by Christina Dunwoodie and Glen Cunningham, accompanied by pianist Julia Lynch.

Each table was hosted by an Exxon employee and it was a lovely opportunity to thank local individuals and businesses, while celebrating the work of Burns. Special mention must go to Mrs Catherine Cubitt, who organised the event. Catherine was one of Exxon’s very first trainees and is a great example of their education programme in action.

The evening ended with the entire room singing some of Burns’ most famous songs followed by Auld Lang Syne.