How to drink from a Quaich?

[macwilkin]

<< the piper consumes the entire contents of the cup, flips it over & kisses the bottom to signify that it has been drained. >>


I was taught by a former regimental piper to drain the quaich and hold it over one's head - bottom up - to signify the same.

Diff'rent strokes I suppose.

The version we use comes from Bryon Farwell's Mr. Kipling's Army, and from the web site of the Liverpool Scottish:

The Pipe Major's Toast

The Pipe Major (or senior piper) after playing in the Mess may be called in to receive a 'dram' fronm the senior officer present

PROCEDURE FOR THE PIPER'S TOAST

The Piper, on completion of the piobaireachd (pibroch), re-enters the dining room without his pipes, preceded by the Mess Sergeant who carries a salver on which is a quaich containing a dram of whisky (previously diluted as required by the Piper !).They halt behind the Commanding Officer and senior guest, and the piper salutes. The Commanding Officer stands up, takes the quaich, and hands it to the Piper. (The senior guest may be invited to do this if appropriate). The Piper holds the quaich with both hands, at about chin level , and gives the Toast.

Gaelic

Slainte mor, Slainte Banrighinn
Slainte agus buaidh gu brath
le Gillean Forbasach.

Phonetic version

Slanjervaw, slanjer banreen
Slanjer aggus booey goo bra
la gillian forbusach

Translation for Sassenachs

Good health, health to the Queen
Health and success for ever
to the Forbes lads

The Piper then drinks the dram. All present reply 'Slainte' (Slanjer) and also drink the toast. The Piper then kisses the underneath of the quaich (symbolising the hidden portrait of 'the King over the Water'). He replaces the quaich on the salver, salutes, and leaves the room followed by the Mess Sergeant.

-- http://www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk/

Slainte,

Todd