Tonight is Burns Night, a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns. Born 25 January 1759, Burns is widely considered to be the national poet of Scotland. He is known for “Auld Lang Syne,” “Scots Wha Hae,” “A Red, Red Rose,” and “Ae Fond Kiss,” among his many poems and songs. Burns Night is celebrated with a Burns Supper, accompanied by piping and poetry.
Menu/Agenda
Piping in Guests — bagpipe music.
Grace — Selkirk Grace is often used.
Soup course — choose one or two recipes.
Haggis — accompanied by a reading of Address to a Haggis.
Side dishes with the haggis include:
Whisky toast — to the haggis.
Optional fish course — whisky-cured salmon is ideal.
Dessert — cranachan followed by oatcakes and cheese.
Toasts — whisky, coffee, or both. Traditional toasts include:
- Immortal memory — a speech about Burns and/or a recitation of a poem or song by Burns, followed by a toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns.
- Address to the Lassies
- Reply to the Laddies
- Works by Burns –recitation of poetry or songs by Burns.
Vote of Thanks — according to BBC, “The chair now climbs to his potentially unsteady feet to thank everyone who has contributed to a wonderful evening and to suggest that taxis will arrive shortly.”
Singing Auld Lang Syne.
Learn more:
Happy Burns Night! Thanks for including my cranachan recipe here. Just be sure to use whisky and not whiskey for this traditional Scottish dessert! 🙂
Looks like I mistyped “whisky.” My bad, and it’s now corrected. Thanks for posting your recipe online!