Burns Night

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 - 21 July 1796)

Burns Night is a celebration of the life and works of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, and is held on or around the anniversary of his birthday, 25th January.
This celebration normally takes the form of a supper, which can be formal or informal, although both will feature haggis, whisky and poetry recitals. Dancing may also form part of the festivities.
Formal Burns Suppers will follow a standard order.

The soup is normally a traditional Scottish one such as Scotch broth, cock-a-leekie, Cullen skink or potato soup.

Everyone stands as a piper precedes the cook, who brings in the haggis on a large platter and lays it before the host.
The host then recites Burns’ poem “Address to a Haggis”.
As he gets to the line “His knife see rustic Labour dicht”, he goes through the motions of sharpening his knife.
At the line “An' cut you up wi' ready slicht”, the knife is plunged into the haggis and it is sliced from end to end.
A whisky toast is then made to the haggis, and then everyone is free to sit down and enjoy their main course, which is traditionally served with neeps and tatties (swede and potato).

Haggis, neeps & tatties with the customary glass of Scotch whisky.

The dessert course is usually Cranachan or whisky trifle, which is known as tipsy laird.

Cranachan is made with raspberries, whipped cream, roasted oatmeal, heather honey, and whisky.

The cheese course is served with oatcakes and the whole lot washed down with the water of life, Scotch whisky!

When the coffee is served, various toasts are made.
The first is to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, and some of his poetry may be recited as well.
Then follows an Address to the Lassies, made by a man, and it is a humorous but not offensive view of the speaker on women. Originally, it would have been a short speech of thanks to the ladies who had cooked this fine meal.
A lady then gets a chance to reply with an Address to the Laddies, which is again a humorous but inoffensive view of men.

After the toasting, there may be singing of some of Burns’s songs or more recitation of his poetry. Any foreign guests may be invited to sing or recite some pieces from their own homeland.
There may be dancing as well.

And at the end of the evening, the host will ask one of his guests to give a vote of thanks, and then everyone is asked to stand, clasp hands, and sing Auld Lang Syne.

Have you ever been to a Burns Night Supper?
Have you tried haggis and do you like it? (I won’t ask about bagpipes!! 😁)
Please share anything you want to do with Burns Night, the food, and Robert Burns’ poetry and songs.

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.