Industry charity HIT Scotland’s annual ‘HIT the Bard’ Burns supper, held this year at the Alloway-based Brig o’Doon House Hotel, has raised more than £18,000.
The spectacular fundraising event celebrating the works of the ‘Bard’ and the culture of Scottish hospitality, was delivered in partnership with Ayrshire College & Hub International students, who played a central role in bringing the evening to life.
The proceeds of the evening will go towards HIT Scotland’s scholarship programme, which offers those studying or working in hospitality the opportunity to develop new skills and grow their experience with hands-on education and learning from industry leaders.
A total of 46 Ayrshire College students attended HIT the Bard, some assisting with directing guests and co-ordinating the fundraising element, whilst professional cookery students contributed to the four-course meal with a Scottish inspired desert.
Guests enjoyed a lively interpretation of Tam o’Shanter from performing arts students within the ballroom and outside on the hotel’s balcony, setting the scene for the night, and dressed for the occasion thanks to make-up artistry students who made sure the characters looked the part.
Production and photography students were also on hand and guitarist Hollie provided live music throughout the evening.
Graphic design and illustration students had the opportunity to enter a competition to design this year’s logo which was across all promotional materials before and during the night. Third-year graphic design student Lainey Collie, who is planning to go to university this year, won the competition, with her logo based on the classic Tam o’Shanter poem.
Students from Hub International produced the cocktails for the drink’s reception and Holy Willy’s Night Cap Bar whilst assisting with service whilst two school pupils from Alloway Primary School, Luca Guidi and Zoey Hydes, performed the Address to the Haggis.
The students from Hub International, recruited from communities across Ayrshire, are completing an employability programme with the aim to get hired in hospitality. The ‘Ayrshire Skills Hub’ is a project created by Hub International as a bridge for young or disadvantaged people to gain skills, confidence and experience in the hospitality industry.
During the evening, The Carol Gamble HIT Scholarship was launched in memory of Carol Gamble, who passed away last year after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Returning to hospitality later in life through the Ayrshire Skills Hub, Carol started working at Western House Hotel. She continued to volunteer with the Skills Hub and had been due to support the Ayrshire trainees at this year’s HIT the Bard event. Known for her warmth, determination and love of learning, she inspired many through her generosity and enthusiasm.
The scholarship honours Carol’s legacy and supports people to pursue new opportunities, reflecting her belief in resilience, courage and second chances.
Chief executive at HIT Scotland, David Cochrane, said: “We are proud that we were able to deliver another fantastic HIT the Bard, one of our most popular annual events, but it wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with Ayrshire College and Hub International students.
“All of the students and trainees involved brought real energy and professionalism, their contribution means a great deal. It is a fantastic showcase event for the students and trainees and the perfect opportunity to network with the many businesses in the room, allowing them to secure job offers, interviews and placements.
“Last year, we know at least six people secured employment from the event, which is brilliant.
“These funds will go very far in terms of supporting this year’s scholars. A special thanks to the committee for another successful event, our generous sponsors and prize donors, the incredible speakers and the team at Brig o’Doon as it was very special to be able to hold our Burns supper in the birthplace of the man himself.”
Head of Learning & Skills at Ayrshire College, Angela Sheridan, added: “Hit the Bard is a fantastic event, made possible thanks to the tremendous effort from our staff and students, along with the tremendous support of the Hit the Bard Committee, who also enabled learners to attend planning meetings and engage with this live brief to gain valuable assessment opportunities.
“This event showcases students’ skills while actively strengthening employer engagement, giving learners direct access to industry professionals and real opportunities that support their progression into jobs, interviews, and placements”.
Stephanie Wade, founder of Hub International and HIT the Bard Fundraising Committee member, commented: “The event put a spotlight on the potential of the many young and unemployed people in Ayrshire, many of whom had never worked before.
“Local hospitality operators got to see how determined they were, and it gave such confidence to the trainees who had never before worked at this level, it was a huge confidence boost for them, and we’ve seen three jobs offers come in already, a testament to the collaboration of partners on this event that we can make some real impact through events as well as raising awareness and funds.”
