What is Burns Night?
Held annually on January 25th, Burns Night is Scotland’s national celebration honoring the life and contributions of the nation’s beloved poet, Robert Burns. At the end of the day, gatherings large and small unite people for Burns Suppers—lively evening feasts that feature a blend of history, music, song, and poetry alongside traditional local dishes, from cock-a-leekie soup to the iconic haggis, accompanied by Scotch whisky. This 200-year-old tradition promises a unique cultural experience for all attendees.
What happens at a Burns Supper?
Following Burns’ passing in 1796, the first Burns Supper was held in 1801 by his friends at Burns Cottage in Alloway. The evening traditionally follows a structured format, starting with a grace and concluding with collective singing and dancing.
To commence the night, participants typically recite the ‘Selkirk Grace,’ an elegant mealtime prayer attributed to Burns during a meal with the Earl of Selkirk in 1793:
Some hae meat and canna eat
And some wad eat that want it
But we hae meat and we can eat
An sae the Lord be thankit
The ‘Bill o’ Fare’—Scots for ‘menu’—usually showcases classic Scottish dishes. Given that January is one of Scotland’s coldest months, starters often consist of warming soups such as Scotch broth or cock-a-leekie, which are perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. Another popular choice is cullen skink, a rich soup made from smoked haddock, onions, and potatoes.
Next, the haggis is ceremoniously piped in; a bagpiper plays as the dish—often displayed on a large platter—is brought to the dinner table, leading to the iconic ‘Address to a Haggis.’
Haggis, while often misinterpreted, is a cornerstone of Scottish cuisine. Traditionally, it consists of sheep’s offal (heart, lungs, liver) mixed with oatmeal and spices, encased in a sheep’s stomach and boiled. Nowadays, it may be created from a blend of lamb and beef encased in sausage casings. The flavor profile is akin to a deliciously peppery and spiced sausage.
The ‘Address to a Haggis’ is Burns’ heartfelt tribute to this dish, published in 1787. It can be recited in a dramatic, poetic fashion, with the orator artistically invoking imagery as they prepare the haggis. Here’s a notable excerpt:
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!
Once the haggis is served, it is typically accompanied by boiled or mashed neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). The main course may include options like roast salmon, beef, or game. Common desserts include cranachan, a delicious combination of toasted oatmeal, cream, and raspberries, or a Scotch trifle, layering whisky-soaked sponge cake, berries, cream, custard, and flaked almonds.
Throughout the meal, guests often recite Burns’ treasured poems, such as ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ and ‘A Red, Red Rose.’ The evening culminates in the ‘Immortal Memory of Robert Burns,’ a tribute honoring his legacy, followed by the ‘Toast to the Lassies’ and its response. The festivities conclude with a group rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ where guests join together in a circle, crossing arms and singing this timeless tune.
How to attend a Burns Supper
Burns Night sees various Burns Suppers hosted across Scotland (and around the globe), ranging from casual dinners in pubs to more refined gatherings in restaurants. Robert Burns has inspired numerous clubs and societies dedicated to celebrating his legacy, often resulting in an abundance of events. If you find yourself in Scotland on January 25th, the Robert Burns World Federation showcases events from over 250 chapters worldwide, while the VisitScotland events page offers local listings for various gatherings. Make sure to seize the opportunity to experience this unique cultural event firsthand!
