Once dinner has concluded, the entertainment takes off. Desserts then follow, and this could be cranachan (an assortment of raspberries, cream, honey, whisky and toasted oatmeal), or simply some Scottish shortbread. The haggis is then served, often with neeps (swede) and tatties (potatoes). Often, the reader of this poem will then cut the haggis along its length with a knife, to allow for the haggis’ contents to spill out.

‘Address to a Haggis’ is arguably one of Burns’ most famous works, and this poem is often recited before the ‘toasting’ or serving of the haggis at the Burns Supper. The reason haggis is so closely associated with Scotland is often attributed to Burns. Haggis is a concoction of sheep’s liver, lungs and heart. After the soup has been washed down with perhaps more whiskey or perhaps some wine, it is then time for the main event: the haggis. This is a traditional Scottish soup, made with leeks and chicken stock, thickened with either rice or barley. Following this Chairman’s welcome, ‘The Selkirk Grace’ is said this is a short prayer which is delivered before the food arrives.įor dinner, cock-a-leekie is often served to begin. The chair, that is the host of the evening, will be expected to introduce the guests. Guests are seated, and the evening is then toasted with a ‘wee dram’ of whisky to start the merriments. However, if recruiting a piper proves too difficult, or you are lacking piping volunteers, you can always improvise by streaming a playlist of traditional Scottish music through your speakers. The evening conventionally begins with guests arriving to dinner to the sound of bagpipes.

Traditions of the evening edge around the entertainment, food, and drink.

While some venues host formal Burns celebrations, we share some top tips for preparing to host a textbook Burns Supper in your own home! Burns has been celebrated ever since his death in 1796 and many Scots still spend the evening attending a Burns Supper in his honour. Typically cold and dark, on the evening of 25 January Scotland will once again celebrate the life and work of the 18th Century poet Robert Burns. It’s that time of year again to dust down your kilts and prepare yourself for all things haggis and whisky to celebrate Burns Night!

Burns night poems and songs