On balance, I quite like traditions – after all, I do still use a cheque book (well, technically three chequebooks), buy DVDs and vote for the National Party. My default philosophy is - if something is working then I won’t change anything because I just want it to keep functioning as it always had before.

I began last week’s blog with some considerable gloating about favourable rugby results and, as I should have expected, fate immediately slapped me firmly on my ample derriere. I was of course completely wrong. I falsely accused the All Blacks of coming fifth at the Wellington Sevens when in fact they actually finished sixth.

Now, everyone knows that I am not one to gloat when I am right – partly because it happens so rarely – but I was about the Wellington Sevens last weekend. In recent McMalty blogs I had repeatedly touted the power of the current Scottish Sevens rugby squad, and pointed out their august place above New Zealand in the rankings – partly because that situation is even rarer than me being right.

Last night (25 January 2017), the “Lift Up Your Kilt – Scottish Session” started at Malthouse and runs through to Sunday (possibly longer if supplies last).

Next Wednesday (25 January 2017) is Robbie Burns Day, a hugely important day on the Scottish calendar as right-thinking Celtic people around the world celebrate the epic poetry of Mr Robert Burns with whisky, haggis, poems and beer. [1] Malthouse will be marking this august date appropriately with a massive Scottish craft beer tap showcase, some Lorne sausage, deep fried Mars bars and haggis. [2]

The once annual list of my top ten Kiwi beers for the preceding year always proved to be the most anticipated and controversial blog of the year.