Everything You Need for Burns Night – Except the Haggis and Whisky

This complete Burns Night Toolkit provides everything you need to host a traditional and well-structured Burns Supper, whether in a hotel or as a corporate event. From poetry and ceremony to bagpipes, food, and entertainment, this guide covers every essential element of Burns Night.

Everything you need — except the Haggis and the whisky.

Address to a Haggis, Rabbie Burns Night

What Is Burns Night?

The 25th of January marks the annual celebration of the life and work of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet. Burns Night is celebrated on the anniversary of his birth rather than his death, reflecting the life-affirming, human spirit of his poetry.

A Burns Supper is not simply a meal. It is a structured cultural event built around poetry, music, ceremony, and shared experience.

Burns Night Around the World

Although rooted in Scotland, Burns Night is celebrated globally. From private homes to embassies, hotels, and corporate venues across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia, Burns Suppers continue to bring people together through Scottish culture.

For hosts seeking a smooth and confident experience—particularly in corporate, hotel, or formal settings—many choose to work with experienced Burns Night entertainers who understand tradition, timing, and audience expectations. A professional bagpiper can guide key moments of the evening while keeping the event structured and on schedule.

Watch Reel Time Band: Burns Night-Live in Kiev on YouTube

Core Burns Night Traditions

A traditional Burns Supper may include:

  • Parade of the Haggis
  • Selkirk Grace
  • Address to a Haggis
  • Dinner (Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties)
  • The Immortal Memory
  • Toast to the Lassies
  • Reply from the Lassies
  • Ceilidh Dancing
  • Auld Lang Syne

Not every Burns Night includes every element. These are traditions, not rigid rules.

Traditional Burns Night Food & Drink

Essential items for a Burns Supper:

  • Haggis (traditional or vegetarian)
  • Neeps (turnips)
  • Tatties (potatoes)
  • Whisky
  • Shortbread
  • Irn Bru Classic

additions include:

  • Cock-a-Leekie Soup
  • Cullen Skink
  • Raspberry Cranachan

Roddy the Piper Addressing the Haggis

The Parade of the Haggis

The Parade of the Haggis marks the ceremonial start of the evening. Once guests are seated, a bagpiper traditionally leads the chef into the room carrying the Haggis on a platter.

In formal Burns Suppers, this moment sets the tone for the entire evening. A professional bagpiper ensures the entrance is timed correctly with the kitchen and delivered with the authority the occasion deserves—particularly important for corporate Burns Nights and international guests.

Watch Robert Burns Songs on Bagpipes; Burns Supper music on YouTube

The Selkirk Grace (Poem)

Before the meal is served, the Selkirk Grace is recited:

The Selkirk Grace

Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And say the Lord be thankit.

Alternative / Vegetarian Grace

But some hate meat and girn and weep,
Resisting all coercion,
So bless the tatties bless the neeps
And the vegetarian version.

Then filled wi’ fruits o’ field and vine
And feelin’ fairlie frisky,
The One who water turned to wine,
We’d ask to bless the whisky.

Address to a Haggis

The Address to a Haggis is the centrepiece of Burns Night. Written by Robert Burns, it is delivered before the meal with confidence, rhythm, and theatrical presence. During the third verse, the Haggis is ceremonially cut, followed by a Toast to the Haggis.

The Address to a Haggis is one of the most anticipated moments of Burns Night. To ensure it lands with confidence and authenticity, many hosts appoint a professional bagpiper who both leads the Parade of the Haggis and delivers the Address. This approach guarantees continuity, timing, and impact—while removing pressure from guests and organisers alike.

Watch a professional Address to a Haggis

Original Text (Excerpt)

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin’-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o’ a grace
As lang’s my arm.

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi’ ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!

English Translation (Excerpt)

Good luck to you and your honest, plump face,
Great chieftain of the sausage race!
Above them all you take your place…

Burns Night Menu

After the Address, dinner is served.

The traditional main course is Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. Haggis is a savoury pudding made from mutton, oatmeal, and spices.

Watch Address to a Haggis at Dundas Castle

The Immortal Memory

The Immortal Memory is a speech reflecting on the life, work, and legacy of Robert Burns. It is not a poem, but a researched and personal address delivered by a chosen speaker.

For corporate Burns Suppers, hotels, and formal dinners, speakers are often selected for clarity, tone, and cultural understanding. Experienced Burns Night performers are accustomed to delivering content that feels authentic while remaining appropriate for professional audiences.

Toast to the Lassies & Reply from the Lassies

A staple of Burns Night, the Toast to the Lassies is traditionally delivered by a man and followed by the Reply from the Lassies, delivered by a woman. Together, they bring humour, balance, and wit to the evening.

Ceilidh Dancing

A Scottish ceilidh turns a Burns Supper from a formal dinner into a celebration. With live music and guidance, it works particularly well for corporate events and international groups.

Where guest numbers allow, adding live Scottish entertainment—such as a ceilidh band alongside bagpipes—can transform the evening into a shared, memorable experience.

Watch a Burns Night ceilidh in action

Auld Lang Syne

Burns Night traditionally ends with Auld Lang Syne, sung as guests link arms.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Watch Auld Lang Syne performed by Roddy the Piper;

Burns Night Checklist (Summary)

Planning

  • Choose format and guest numbers
  • Decide programme length
  • Assign speakers or book professionals

Essentials

  • Bagpipes (live or recorded)
  • Selkirk Grace
  • Address to a Haggis
  • Dinner
  • Immortal Memory
  • Toasts
  • Auld Lang Syne

Professional Enhancements

A Night of Scottish Culture

Burns Night remains one of the most meaningful celebrations of Scottish culture. Each year, people across the world gather to honour Robert Burns through poetry, music, tradition, and shared experience.

Whether you are hosting a small private Burns Supper or a large corporate Burns Night, working with experienced bagpipers and Burns Night entertainers helps ensure the evening feels confident, authentic, and well-paced—allowing hosts to enjoy the celebration as much as their guests.