This custom-made Birdseye Maple saltire and bowl plays a
central role in the ceremonial Piping in of the Haggis. The ceremony takes
place each year during the Feast of Saint Andrew, as well as Burns Night, and
involves carrying the haggis in to the host, using this saltire and bowl. The
Society Marshall and Pipe Major lead the procession of four saltire-bearers.
During the procession, all stand to join with the Marshall in a slow rhythmic
hand clap. The host then recites Robert Burns' poem "Address to a
Haggis," cutting the haggis open with the sign of a saltire when the
poetic line "an cut you up wi' ready slight" is spoken. Common tunes
played during this procession are "A Man's A Man for A' That,"
"Robbie Burns Medley," or "The Star O' Robbie Burns."