What is Burns Night? 

Burns Supper is a celebration of the life and enduring legacy of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, and it takes place annually on the 25th of January. While it was organised as a memorial by Burns' loved ones, it has morphed into a country-wide event in Scotland. People celebrate the evening in their homes, restaurants, or larger venues with traditional Scottish food, dance, music, and readings of Burns’ poetry.

Who is Robert Burns?

The poet, also known as Rabbie Burns, penned more than 550 poems and songs before he died in 1796. A massive source of inspiration to the founders of Liberalism and Socialism, the 18th-century writer is known for his social commentary and focus on all things political. Scotland’s national poet is deemed something of a revolutionary figure there and beyond. Dubbed the “greatest Scot of all time” by STV in 2009, the writer from Ayrshire sadly died of rheumatic fever at just 37. His funeral was held on the same day his son Maxwell was born. Burns’ body was transferred from a churchyard grave to a mausoleum in Dumfries where his wife Jean Armour was also laid to rest after her death in 1834.

How is Burns Night celebrated?

The main attraction of Burns Night is undoubtedly a Burns supper. This traditionally involves people donning tartan, listening to bagpipes, singing Auld Lang Syne, which is also sung at New Year’s Eve, and reciting the great writer’s songs and poems. Celebrations - whether at home or at a themed evening - often incorporate the Saltire, the national flag of Scotland. While the first Burns supper was held way back in 1801 and new rituals have been appended since then, the crux of the celebration remains unchanged and revolves around paying tribute to Burns in whatever way feels fitting.

What’s in the traditional dinner? 

Haggis is always served at Burns Supper, and is a staple in Scottish tradition. Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, which is minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, stock, and spices. It is traditionally sheathed in the animal’s stomach. Burns described haggis as the “great chieftain o’ the puddin-‘race” and a traditional Burns Night kicks off with a host reading his "Address to a Haggis". Haggis is served with the classic side of mashed neeps and tatties (swedes and potatoes). The food is of course accompanied by whisky. Vegetarians and pescetarians - or those who want to try something a little different - can choose haggis made without meat and seafood such as Cullen Skink soup made from smoked haddock.

What do I wear to a Burns Night Celebration or Burns Supper?

The traditional Scottish kilt is of course the obvious choice to wear to a Burns Night gathering. As it is a formal occasion, a Scottish kilt outfit complete with a formal sporran, Ghillie shirt, Ghillie brogues, kilt hose and tartan flashes, and a Prince Charlie or Argyll jacket is an ideal outfit choice for men. For women, a Ghillie shirt, tartan kilt skirt, and perhaps a matching tartan sash would be perfect.