You don't have to be Scottish to enjoy a good old-fashioned Burns Night celebration. And there’s never been a better time to give it a go, as this year is Robbie Burns’ 250th birthday!
Burns Night is traditionally celebrated on the poet's birthday, January 25th. So get a few friends together, invest in a good bottle of whisky and some festive fare and blow away the January cobwebs.
The first Burns Night suppers were organised by personal friends of Burns who wanted to pay tribute to Scotland’s legendary bard. The very first ones began just a few years after his early death in 1796. As the years have gone by, Burns Night has become a celebration of Scottishness, both for those living in Scotland and for people of Scottish descent all around the world. So wherever you are, and however Scottish you are - or not! - now's the time to join in and become part of a long tradition.
Start the evening with a little welcome address. It’s traditional to say the Selkirk Grace too.
Some hae meat and canna eat, and some wad eat that want it, but we hae meat and we can eat, and sae the Lord be thankit.
Next get everyone on their feet to receive the haggis. Traditionally, a chef brings the haggis to the table, with a piper leading the way as the guests give a slow handclap. But if you’re throwing a less formal celebration, simply serve the haggis yourself, before reciting Burns' famous poem To A Haggis. Put plenty of emotion and enthusiasm into it!
Now's the time to toast the haggis with a glass of whisky before tucking in. A typical Burns Night menu might look something like this.
Lastly, it's time for someone to give the Immortal Memory speech to sing the praises of Burns the bard. Immortal Memory speeches can be serious or light-hearted, so don't get stressed about it - enjoy yourself!
Next comes the Toast To The Lasses. It's meant to thank the women in the group for cooking the meal, so if you're a male Burns Night chef, you might have to improvise! Then, of course, there’s another toast to give the girls a chance to respond.
Once the speeches are finished, a good Burns Night celebration continues with songs and poems. Favourites are Tam O' Shanter, Address to the Unco Guid, To A Mouse and Holy Willie's Prayer.
Finish the night with everyone standing to link hands and sing Auld Lang Syne.
Mon 19th January 2009
From £29.95
Choose weight
£4.99
454g pack - Serves 2
Add to Basket