A pub got ready for plenty of caber tossing, Highland flinging and men in skirts as a week of Burns Night celebrations began yesterday (Wednesday).

The Alma in Newington Green will be going all-out for the traditional Scottish celebrations, culminating on Wednesday with a party bigger than the Loch Ness monster.

Food and drink from north of the border will be served all week, including Caledonian ale, haggis, white pudding and the intriguingly named Abroath Smokie.

Then on Burns Night itself, expect bagpipes and lots of Scottish dancing.

Kirsty Valentine, who owns the pub, said: “Burns Night is a fantastic thing, and it is part of our history and great to celebrate it. We did it last year and it was so much fun, people really enjoyed it.

“There are so many interesting Scottish foods and our menu will give them a bit of a modern twist.”

Anyone popping in for a “wee dram” wearing a kilt or tartan can claim a free drink.

Burns Night celebrates the birthday of poet Robert Burns who died in 1796.

n For more information, call 020 7359 4536.