CLUBS and groups across the county are toasting the Bard as they celebrate Burns Night.

Suppers and other events celebrating the life and work of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns take place in towns and villages across East Lothian this week.

The first events take place today (Friday), with Tranent 25 Burns Club hosting a supper at the town’s East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club.

Those who wish to go along can attend from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Knox Academy are not holding a supper this year but North Berwick High School are and join in with their own celebration at the school, organised by their PTA, from 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, Haddington Burns Club celebrates with a Burns supper in the town’s bowling club at 7pm.

The supper is chaired by Haddingtonian Gordon Bathgate and the Immortal Memory given by Dr Peter Hughes, past president of the World Burns Federation.

Other speakers include Steven Illingworth from Knox Academy, Keith Wallace and George Macintosh, who will give the Toast to the Lassies.

Tickets are available at Mains on Haddington High Street and from Alan Sheerin on 01620 823853.

More entertainment is provided by Tantallon Golf Club in North Berwick, with attendees gathering at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

The day after (Saturday), North Berwick Burns Club convene at the town’s Macdonald Marine Hotel, 6.30pm for 7pm; anyone interested in getting tickets should message North Berwick Burns Club on Facebook.

East Lothian Yacht Club have cancelled their Burns supper this year but Craigleith Burns Club’s is still going ahead, held in the Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick, 6.30pm for 7pm – entertainment is to be provided by Davie Holt.

Prestonpans Airts Burns Club holds its Burns supper in the town’s Gothenburg, 5.30pm for 6pm.

The Station Yard Micropub on Dunbar’s Station Road hosts a variety of performances of live Scottish music from today (Thursday) until Sunday.

A selection of Scottish gins, beers and whiskies will be on offer, alongside a twist on the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties.

Seton Burns Club hold their own celebrations next month.

The group hosts its men’s supper next Saturday (February 1) in Cockenzie Royal British Legion, 5.30pm for 6pm, tickets £20.

The club’s lads and lassies supper follows on February 22, with tickets £15, also in the Legion, 5.30pm for 6pm.

Message Seton Burns Club on Facebook for tickets.