Burns night is a world-wide event held on (or around) the 25th January. The celebrations began back in 1801, and it has remained relevant to the Scottish people/Lovers of Burns. It began as a tiny gathering of friends of the natinoal bard, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. They met at a pub to commemorate the anniversary of his birth.

Hunderds of years later, Burns Night has grown in popularity to become world famous! Essentially, it is a night of drinking and feasting, punctuated with poetry. Speeches and music also mark the birth of Rober Burns. Most people hold a supper around the 25th January, however the exact ceremony varies dependinf on the organisation and location of the celebration.

The occasions can be formal or informal, in a beautiful grand hall or your living room. Toasts and readings of Robert Burns’ pieces are a significant part of the celebration, making it one of the most famous literary holidays out there. What an incredible way to get a post-new year’s boost… and a good excuse to don tartan and party!

A Burns Night celebration without haggis is unthinkable. Granted for some, haggis can be an acquired taste… Those that like it, LOVE it. Haggis has moved with the times, with even vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free (GF are a bit harder to find) versions now available.

Throughout the UK haggis is pretty easy to find in time for Burns Night… America – we’re sorry, but unfortunately is is still banned there (unlike guns). Haggis in a tin is also becoming a thing, but we’re not too sure how good it tastes. Between you and me – it doesnae feel right, but if it’s your only alternative…

You serve haggis with tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips). It is delicious, nourishing and warming – which if you’re in the northern hemisphere is pretty important in January. Haggis, neeps and tatties is also served as a starter, add a whisky and a good horseradish-flavoured cream sauce.

Other dishes people eat on Burns Night are:

– Cock-a-leek Soup

– Scottish smoked salmon

– Cullen skink (totally delish)

– Scottish beef and highland casserole

– Cranachan – a traditional dessert of Scottish Raspberry and cream (substitute yoghurt for cream if you want). Cheeseboard and oatcakes after dessert is always a good idea.

Haggis is a savoury pudding made from the liver, lungs and hearts of sheep. Nowadays, some haggis are made from pig despite being traditionally made using sheep.

In Scotland, haggis is eaten all year round, but it is almost a non-negotiable for a proper Burns Night celebration. Our local chippy even sells a tasty haggis supper!

Depending on how formal, most ladies wear a tartan sash over one shoulder in formal Burns Night celebrations. It is worth noting that the correct way to drape the sash is over the right shoulder (exceptions are only for wives of chieftains and wives of colonels of Scottish regiments – they can drape the tartan sash over their left shoulder). You may want to reflect on what Burns would have thought of this… We can feel a guid wee poyum (poem) coming on poking fun at pomposity.

As for the clan tartan to wear, there are several options available. Let’s face it, you’ve probably got some Scots somewhere in your bloodline. And even if you don’t, it doesnae matter. Would you like to be a Scots for the evening? Aye? Then yer in!

Tartan is a pattern that carries a heavy sense of pride for us Scots. It symbolises belonging, a unique individuality and an appreciation of Scottish culture and traditions.

A non-Scot might wonder if donning the pattern of Scottish heritage is an offensive move of cultural appropriation, with it being a significant element of Scottish pride… blah, blah blah. But dinnae be daft, of course you can wear it. Wearing tartan is a fantastic way to join in on the traditions.

One of the famous recitals in Burns Night celebraions is The Selkirk Grace which Burns delivered at a dinner by the Earl of Selkirk at St Mary’s Isle Priory, Galloway.

The traditional Burns Supper starts with a soup course. The preffered Scottish soup options are:

1) Scotch Broth

2) Cullen Skink made from smoked haddock, potatoes and onions

3) Cock-a-leekie soup made from leeks and peppered chicken stock.

The highlight of the Burns Night supper is serving the famous haggis. A Scottish pudding consisting of sheep’s liver, lungs and heart. Together with oatmeal, onions, spices, salt and suet – these haggis ingredients are cooked inside sheep’s stomach.

Usually, the cook will bring the haggis and a bagpiper will pipe it to the host. Thereafter, the host (or a distinguished guest) will recite the poem, ‘Address to a Haggis’ by Robert Burns. After the recital, the first of many whisky toasts to grace the evening can be proposed. Any scotch whisky suffices, but a single malt should be the best choice.

The attendees will raise the toast to the life and memory of Robert Burns while reciting his poems. If the celebration has mixed gender, it is common for the gentlemen and male guests to give an ‘Address to the Lassies’. This recital is an ode to the women present, and it allows the speakers to express their views on women and their contribution.

A ‘Toast to the Laddies’ follows, where the female guests get an opportunity to say something about the men. It is also a perfect opportunity for the women to raise or respond to anything the previous speaker had said.

The evening ends with an additional recitation of Robert Burns’ songs and poems. The climax of the night will often be everyone singing Auld Lang Syne.

Auld – Old

Aye – Yes

Blether – Chat

Och! – Oh!

Canny – Clever

Clipe – To ‘snitch’

Chitter – Shiver

Crabbit – Bad-tempered or grumpy

Haste Ye Back! – A farewell greeting, meaning ‘return soon!’

It’s a dreich day – A saying refering to miserable weather