Bring On Burns Night

A Scottish celebration that combines haggis, whisky and poetry.

What Is Burns Night?

Burns Night marks the anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth on 25 January each year. Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist, and he is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.

What Is A Burns Supper?

Held on Burns Night it is an evening event that celebrates Burns’ life; where traditional Scottish dishes are served.

What Happens At A Burns Supper?

A hearty feast is enjoyed followed by the a recital of some of Burns’ songs and poems.

The centre piece of any Burns Night Supper menu is haggis – a savoury pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, which is minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, stock and a selection of spices, before being bound (traditionally) in the animal’s stomach. Although its ingredients don’t sound too appealing, its nutty texture and savoury flavour make it the Scottish national dish.

Burns’ loved it so much that he wrote ‘Address to a Haggis’ in 1787. Traditionally served with “neeps and tatties”, a dish of mashed swede (turnip) and potato, alongside a dram (glass) of Scotch whisky.

These days no one is left out of such celebrations. Vegans and pescatarians – or those who just want to try something a little different – can choose a plant-based haggis. Cullen Skink soup – a seafood dish made from smoked haddock – is also a popular choice for a Burns Night menu.

What if you don’t want to go the whole sheep? Why not try a Scotch whiskey tasting or pipe in an epic Scottish Spotify playlist to your bar or pub – we don’t think Robert Burns would mind at all, as long as you’re having fun!