.Burns Night is a “day” where Scotland celebrates and commemorates the life and works of their national poet, Robert Burns. This tradition started over 200 years ago in 1801, when nine of the poet’s closes friends held a dinner to mark the 5-year anniversary of Burns death.

During supper the friends ate the traditional dish of Haggis and a sheep’s head whilst reciting some of Burns poems.  Nowadays Burns Night is held on the 25^th of January, Burns Birthday, and is considered another National day, aside from St Andrew’s day.

Nowadays the suppers tend to be 3, 4 or 5 courses.  The starter can be a traditional soup such as Cock-a-leekie or Scotch broth. This is followed by the mandatory haggis, served with neeps and tatties and often as a main course but occasionally this may followed by other Scottish offerings like salmon or beef. As desert such as Sticky Toffee Pudding will be the final course prior to the Scottish cheese board and a glass of Whisky.

Before and after supper many graces and toasts are made in honour of Robert Burns, such as the “Immortal Memory of Robert Burns” or the “Toast to the Lassies”. All suppers must finish with many recitations of Burns poems and sometimes a ceilidh will follow. Traditionally a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” (Burns most famous poem that is sung) will bring the night to a close.

If you like to learn more about Scottish Culture, Time Exposure Travel of a great selection of Tours. Please visit https://www.timeexposure.travel/scotland for more details and feel free to contact us.