Burns Night Supper

Marking the anniversary of the birth of one of Scotland’s most famous poets, Robert Burns, Burns Night is celebrated, not only in Scotland, but throughout the world.

Every year on January 25th, Burns Supper events are planned, bringing people together to honour and commemorate the life and work of the great lyricist and wordsmith, Rabbie Burns.

So, what happens at a Burns Supper?

Everyone enjoys a hearty Burns Night meal, which includes haggis (the centrepiece), neeps and tatties, rounded off with drams of whisky. An evening of recitals of some of the Bard’s greatest songs and poetry follows.

Each Burns supper is individual, but the running order normally goes something like this:

To begin, everyone gathers and, whilst they are on their feet, the host says a few words. Everyone sits, and the "Selkirk Grace" is recited.

Following on from the starter, the haggis, usually served on a silver salver, is piped in and the host performs the famous haggis poem "Address to a Haggis’" Everyone toasts the haggis – as in the above image - and the main meal is served, followed by dessert.

After the meal, the first Burns recital is performed, the "Immortal Memory" (a personal tribute to Burns). The second Burns recital follows, then a "Toast to the Lassies", followed by a "Reply to the Toast to the Lassies" before the final Burns recital is performed.

Following an evening of dancing, the host gives a vote of thanks and everyone stands and sings Auld Lang Syne, crossing their arms and joining hands at the line ‘And there's a hand, my trusty fere!’.

Whatever you have planned, Oidhche Bhlas Burns (Happy Burns Night)!