Burns Night

Dear Diary,

I am excited! A night full of celebrations of all things Scottish is coming up on the 25th of January.

It’s time for the annual tribute to our ‘National Bard’ with lots of food, drinks and dancing.

I’m talking about our national poet - Robert Burns.

My First Burns Night

I have very fond memories about my first Burns Night.

Uni had just started, when the big event came up. I guess none of us had any idea of what a Burns Night actually is and how it’s celebrated. But students never say no to any party, so we were up for it.

And I had soooo much fun! From the food and the drinks to getting to grabs with my first Ceilidh dancing moves. Unforgettable!

The first Burns Supper was in fact held in 1801, so there are many traditions linked to it. You could say there is a proper running order to follow. Supper isn’t just served. No, it is a real spectacle. Believe me.

So how do you celebrate Burns Night like a proper Scot then?

Burns Supper - What’s on the Menu?

The centrepiece of every Burns Supper is, of course, the Haggis!

But the haggis is only complete with his two companions neeps and tatties. Usually in the form of a mash on the side. Ehm, what’s that you might think? Some sort of weird Scottish veg? Nope, just our way of saying suede/turnip and potato. Sounds much nicer I think!

This is followed by a traditional Scottish pudding - Cranachan. A layered dessert made of oats, raspberries, honey, cream and of course whisky. Very tasty!

Drink of choice - pretty obvious I think... Whisky!

Burns Supper - Traditions

But before we start the feast, make yourself familiar with the schedule for the evening.

To start

Once everyone is seated the ‘Selkirk Grace’ is said. A short prayer to give thanks for the meal about to be enjoyed.

Some hae meat an canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.

The entrance of the haggis

As mentioned, the haggis is indeed the star of every Burns Supper.

So the traditional way is to pipe in the haggis. Then the host recites the famous poem by Robert Burns ‘Address to a Haggis’ and everyone toasts to the haggis with a wee dram.

The poem itself is a humorous ode to the humble haggis and a very vital part of the whole evening.

Usually, this is followed by a theatrical slicing of the haggis with a ceremonial knife.

For someone who has never experienced it, this might sound a little crazy. But for me, same as with the Highland Games, this is just another reason to fall in love with this country with all its traditions and heritage.

To end the night

To finish off, everyone stands crossing their arms and joining hands to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. An old Scottish folk song, which is also sung at the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay (aka New Year’s Eve).

Ceilidh

Onto the fun part of the evening. Let’s dance!

A Ceilidh (kay-lee) is a gathering with folk music and dancing done in pairs and groups. You will often find it at weddings or birthdays. The best part though, is everyone can take part! No experience is necessary.

And yes, it is normal to have no clue what you’re doing at the beginning. It can feel a bit chaotic as well, especially if the majority has never done it before. But you will get the hang of it pretty quickly. I am usually knackered afterwards, it is a bit like a workout…

No Ceilidh without a band. Consisting of fiddle, accordion and often a piper and drummer. Plus the caller.

The caller shouts out the dance moves before you start dancing. Not that this makes it any easier (at least not for me), but that’s all part of the fun bit.

VisitScotland has put together an Interactive Ceilidh, showcasing three different dances. Check it out and give it a go! You will love it!

Slàinte mhath! (slanj'-uh va) Meaning good health and the traditional Burns Night greeting.