AN EVENING of poetry, pints and politics in honour of Robert Burns was held at Unity Books on Glasgow’s Southside on Saturday in support of the Morning Star.

More than 60 people packed the bookshop to enjoy music from Eddie McGuire and spoken word performances beginning with the Morning Star’s own arts editor, Angus Reid, whose “immortal memory” wove language, international solidarity, and class musings into the Burns Supper staple.

Aberdeen TUC’s Kate Ramsden followed with the classic warning to drinkers everywhere, Tam O’Shanter, followed by Kate O’Shanter — a modern take on Tam’s wife’s thoughts as she nursed her wrath.

Ayrshire poet Jim Monaghan recited his own verse, covering love, loss, and — in “Left Unity” — the oft-splintered Scottish left, wryly concluding: “There’s nothing so divisive as a call for left unity!”

More than £500 was raised for the Morning Star Fighting Fund.

Master of ceremonies Keith Stoddart commented: “The Burns night was a great success and a good time was had by all, but it’s just the first step.

“Now that Unity Books is re-established, we want to make this place a cultural hub once more.

“Who knows? It could be a Brecht night next.”