Everything you need to host your own Burns Night, except the Haggis and Whisky. Whether you’d like a checklist to hire Professionals, or to host the evening yourself, here are all of the resources and tools you will need.

The 25th of January each year marks the celebration of the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet. We celebrate on the anniversary of his birth rather than his death because Burns’ work celebrated the joys and passions of life.

A Burns Supper or Burns Night is a reflection on the life of the poet, on his work, and on Scotland, and what all of that means to the people in attendance.

Burns Nights take place in Scotland, of course, but also all over the world. In America, in India, in Spain, the Phillipines – the reach of a long-dead Scottish poet from Ayrshire is astonishing, and is a testament to his life and work.

Burns Nights take many forms and happen on different scales. They range from small, family dinners, to large, ticketed gatherings with professional entertainers and caterers.

Whatever the size of your Burns Night, there are a number of unmissable traditions that the evening should centre around. We’ve put together a toolkit with all of the information and resources you need to host your own Burns Night, whether you’re entertaining five guests or five-hundred. Here is everything you need, except the Haggis.

Burns Night Traditions

The main traditions for Burns Night are:

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

Some of these events require more preparation than others. Depending on the number of guests, or your preference, you may want to include all of these traditions, or just a few of them.

For example, a shorter Burns Night might only include:

• Selkirk Grace
• Dinner
• A Poem
• Auld Lang Syne

And a longer Burns Night might include more, such as:

• A reading of Burns’ epic poem Tam O’Shanter
• Or some of his other work
• New poems written by your guests in the style of Robert Burns

There are really no rules – Burns surely would have scoffed at them anyway – just traditions.

There are more traditional food and drink items that can be included in a Burns Night menu. Scots will certainly expect shortbread on hand, whisky for the adults, and Irn Bru for the kids.

The Parade of the Haggis

When everyone is seated and ready for the main course, the Haggis enters. Traditionally, a Bagpiper plays and marches as the Chef follows, carrying the Haggis in on a platter. The Haggis is then ready to be addressed.

If you’re doing this at home, and you don’t know a Piper who can perform this service live, it’s easy enough to find some music to play over a speaker as the Haggis is carried in. See below:

Selkirk Grace

The Haggis is served. But before you can eat, someone must read the Selkirk Grace, by Burns:

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.

Extra verses were written long after Burns for vegetarians by Richard Medrington

The Alternative 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 the Haggis

The Address to a Haggis is a poem written by Burns that pays tribute to Scotland’s famous dish. It is performed at Burns Nights before the Haggis is served, with the first cut traditionally made in the third verse.

After the Haggis has been addressed, the Speaker calls for a Toast to the Haggis, and guests all raise a glass of whisky “To the Haggis!”

The poem is best performed with vigour and drama. Most Bagpipers will be able to perform the Haggis Address after they’ve played the dish in. Here is Reel Time founder and Bagpiper Roddy performing the Haggis Address at the National Museum of Scotland:

Please feel free to play this video at your own Burns Night. Or, if you’re brave enough, we’ve provided the full text of the Address to a Haggis below, along with an English translation.

Original:

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.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o need,
While thro your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

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!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
The auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
‘Bethankit’ hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither’d rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He’ll make it whissle;
An legs an arms, an heads will sned,
Like taps o thrissle.

Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies:
But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer,
Gie her a Haggis!

Translation:

Good luck to you and your honest, plump face,
Great chieftain of the sausage race!
Above them all you take your place,
Stomach, tripe, or intestines:
Well are you worthy of a grace
As long as my arm.

The groaning trencher there you fill,
Your buttocks like a distant hill,
Your pin would help to mend a mill
In time of need,
While through your pores the dews distill
Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour wipe,
And cut you up with ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like any ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm steaming, rich!

Then spoon for spoon, the stretch and strive:
Devil take the hindmost, on they drive,
Till all their well swollen bellies by-and-by
Are bent like drums;
Then old head of the table, most like to burst,
‘The grace!’ hums.

Is there that over his French ragout,
Or olio that would sicken a sow,
Or fricassee would make her vomit
With perfect disgust,
Looks down with sneering, scornful view
On such a dinner?

Poor devil! see him over his trash,
As feeble as a withered rush,
His thin legs a good whip-lash,
His fist a nut;
Through bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit.

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his ample fist a blade,
He’ll make it whistle;
And legs, and arms, and heads will cut off
Like the heads of thistles.

You powers, who make mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill of fare,
Old Scotland wants no watery stuff,
That splashes in small wooden dishes;
But if you wish her grateful prayer,
Give her [Scotland] a Haggis!

Burns Night Menu

Now you can eat!

The traditional main course, of course, is Haggis, neeps, and tatties. For those who don’t know, Haggis is basically a large sausage made of sheeps meat (mutton), oatmeal, and spices. Neeps are turnips. And tatties are potatoes.

While Haggis is the traditional main course, there are some more classic dishes that could be included on the menu

• Cock A Leekie: a classic starter soup made of chicken, leeks, and rice
• Cullen Skink: a thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. A great starter for a Burns Night menu
• Raspberry Cranachan: a Scottish trifle that combines raspberries, oatmeal, and whisky for a refreshing dessert

Be sure to have these to hand:

• Whisky
• Shortbread
• Irn Bru

The Immortal Memory

Unlike the Haggis Address, the Immortal Memory is not a poem by Burns to be performed on the night. Rather, the Immortal Memory is a speech given about the life and work of Robert Burns, and its meaning to the Speaker, and to Scotland.

A good Immortal Memory is a mix of poigance, humour, reflection, and likely includes passages from some of Burns’ poems – some famous, some less so but more meaningful to the Speaker.

If you’re going to be performing the Immortal Memory, it’s worth doing your research, because the standard is very high! For many, the Immortal Memory is the staple and highlight of the night.

Here’s a great one:

Toast to the Lassies and Reply from the Lassies

Because Robert Burns was a notorious ladies man, it is fitting that a proper Burns Supper include a tribute to the fairer sex.

Often the most entertaining part of the night, the Toast to the Lassies is a good-natured ribbing based on the universal misunderstandings and differences between men and women. The Toast is delivered by a Man, and then a Woman delivers the Reply from the Lassies, and gives the last word on the subject for the night.

Again, this is one that the speaker must write themselves. Subject matter ranges from PG to R-rated; that’s up to the Speaker.

This is another tradition where the standard is very high. Here’s a great example by ‘Taggart’ star Colin McCredie with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon present:

Ceilidh Dancing

A Scottish Ceilidh is a great way to turn the evening from a dinner in to a party. As long as you’ve got enough guests, get hold of a ceilidh band and have a great time, whether you’ve done it before or not.

Auld Lang Syne

People all over the English-speaking world know Auld Lang Syne, and sing it as the old year changes to the new. They may not know in places faraway from Scotland that Auld Lang Syne is a song by Robert Burns. So as well as singing it on New Years Eve, we sing it as Burns Night comes to an end.

The lyrics, if they’re not already in your bones:

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

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

It’s always an honour to celebrate the life of such an essential and talented figure from Scottish history. Each year, the work of Burns and the lessons of his life bring deeper meaning to the people all over the world who take the time to celebrate for a night in his name. We hope you can use this information and these resources to do the same and enjoy your evening of Scottish culture.

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Scotland is increasingly the destination of choice for International Conference Organisers, with purpose-built venues like the SEC in Glasgow and the EICC in Edinburgh.

These conferences gather leading experts in their fields from all over the world for jam-packed 3-5 day itinerary of lectures, seminars, and discussions. Yet many Delegates only get to see a Scottish Airport, a Scottish Taxi, a Scottish Hotel, and a Scottish Conference Centre, leaving little time to explore.

Reel Time Events specialises in bringing Scottish Culture to life at Conferences. We provide entertainment for Opening Ceremonies, Networking Events, and Gala Dinners for Conferences. Our events are designed to engage Delegates’ curiosity and give them unforgettable experiences in a once strange land.

Here are some of the ways that we help Conference Organisers to provide Delegates with a lasting Scottish Experience, even from the confines of a convention centre.

Whisky built Scotland’s drinks reputation, but today Scotland is also home to a thriving artisan Gin Market, which means there’s plenty to sample.

Try the best of both under the supervision of an Expert Taster on hand to provide guidance and answer questions.

Conference Delegates can enjoy Scottish Drinks in a variety of ways:

• a casual market-stall tasting where Delegates can discuss their Scottish experience over drinks and discuss their drinks with an Expert Taster (see our blog about a conference whisky and gin tasting at the National Museum of Scotland for more)
• a pop-up whisky, gin or cocktail bar during networking events as a conversation starter
• a cocktail masterclass, where Delegates can learn to make their own Scottish cocktails with the option to compete in teams

• The Clann – Scottish Warriors for hire. Watch a full-on 13th-century skirmish to the death, and then learn about life as a Clan Warrior first-hand. The Clann give weapons demonstrations and displays, as well as teach people how to dress and act like a real Scottish Warrior in their Photo Booth.
• Highland Games – host your own version of Scotland’s ancient Highland Games! Delegates can talk to actual Scottish Highland Games champions who host the activities, and try something new and challenging.
• Bagpipe Workshops – Learn how to play Scotland’s national instrument under the tutoring of a Professional Bagpiper. Start on the Chanter and then take a turn on a full set of bagpipes.
• Virtual Reality – Strap on a Virtual Reality headset and be transported on a tour of Scotland without ever leaving your seat. Experience all of Scotland’s landmarks in a whirlwind visit, accompanied by a specially commissioned musical score. For those who have seen everything.
• Case study: VR for Linux read more

Get Conference Delegates dancing together to learn a new skill with a Ceilidh. Break down the barriers of unfamiliarity with constant partner switching and a fun activity that pushes everyone out of their comfort zone. Ceilidh Bands come with a ‘Caller’, who calls out the dances to keep everyone right, and take first-timers from zero experience to having the time of their lives.

Scottish Music

• Bagpipes – a competition-standard Bagpiper in full Highland Dress to kick off an evening’s entertainment with plenty of pomp and circumstance. Hear Scottish tunes, have a Bagpiper perform the Haggis Address, or even have a Pipe Band march through your conference.
• Traditional Scottish music played on traditional Scottish instruments like the Accordion, Clarsach, and Fiddle – or have a Scottish Folk Band play Scottish jigs and reels. Even add in some Highland Dancers!
• Our Scottish Shows Tartanium and Pipedown – modern updates on Scottish tunes fused with Rock and Pop Covers. Tartanium and Pipedown perform high-energy, 25 minute stage shows complete with Highland Dancers to blow audiences away in a rapid initiation into Scottish culture.

Scottish Dress

Dress like a Scot with Group Kilt Hire. The full kilt, sporran, and jacket outfit for Men. For Ladies, add a Tartan Sash to evening wear. We find Conference Delegates also enjoy Kilt Workshops and Masterclasses where they learn the history and significance of the kilt and how it is made.

A busy conference schedule doesn’t allow for long drives to the Highland or a visit to Loch Ness in between seminars. But you can still bring Scottish Experiences to Conference Delegates.

Satisfy the curiosity of your Conference Delegates with new experiences. The best way to understand a new place is to take part in the culture that shaped it over hundreds of years. On top of that, Scottish Experiences are unique for their warmth, their charm, and their ability to make strangers in to friends.

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