What is Burns Night & Burns Supper?

Every year on the 25th of January in Scotland, we celebrate Burns Night. A day that is traditionally full of haggis, whisky and poetry, you may be wondering what the origins of Burns Night are and what constitutes a Burns Supper. In this blog post, we will explore the traditions associated with Burns Night and how you can host a hearty Burns Supper of your very own with one of our delicious Scottish hampers.

Why do we celebrate Burns Night?

Burns Night is celebrated on Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns birthday. Burns is also known as Rabbie Burns, the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet. A notable pioneer of the Romantic movement, Burns has become a cultural icon in Scotland who is celebrated every year with a Burns Supper.

What is a Burns Supper?

The first Burns Supper was held in memoriam at Burns Cottage by Robert Burns's friends on the fifth anniversary of his death. This celebration of the life and poetry of Burns has become a regular occurrence ever since. The supper traditionally consists of several courses including haggis, neeps and tatties, soup and Scotch whisky that are accompanied by poems, speeches and songs.

Burns Supper Standard Order

While a Burns Supper can be both formal and informal, there is a traditional running order that many people like to stick to. 

1. Start: All the guests gather and the host says a few words welcoming everyone to the supper. Some say Selkirk Grace, a prayer said ‘afore eatin that's attreebute tae Robert Burns’.
2. The Meal: Supper starts with the soup course such as cullen skink or cock-a-leekie and then everyone stands as the haggis is brought in. Everyone toasts the haggis as the host performs Robert Burns song ‘Address to a Haggis’.
3. Toasts: Once the dessert has been served and the meal reaches the coffee stage, various speeches and toasts are given. These include a speech remembering some aspect of Burns's life or poetry as well as a couple of amusing speeches by the guests about ‘lassies’ and ‘laddies’.
4. Burns Recital: After the speeches, guests can take part in singing some of Burns’s much-loved songs and reciting some of his poetry.
5. End: To finish off a wonderful evening of feasting and revelry, everyone is asked to stand, join hands, and sing Auld Lang Syne to bring the evening to an end.

Hampers

If you are planning on hosting your very own Burns Night Supper then our hampers will help give you a head start. All of our Scottish Hampers have been specially designed to display all of the great tastes of Scotland in one place and include delicious Scottish produce that will go down a treat on Burns Night.

Rabbie Burns Night Hamper

The Rabbie Burns Night Hamper is a fantastic collection of Scottish food and drink and is highly worthy for this special occasion. Whether it’s for a Scot sadly absent from the dinner table, or someone who wants to learn why this holiday is so hallowed, there’s plenty of fine Scottish food and drink here to make a truly memorable feast.

Scottish Feast Hamper

This Scottish Feast Hamper has all of the tastes, treats and traditional Highland recipes that will make someone’s big day truly special. The feast provides a little bit of everything, from the sweet and savoury, to floral wine and fine whisky.

Burns Night In Hamper

The Burns Night In Hamper is perfect for a quiet night with all the Scottish trimmings. Celebrate with these distinct Scottish delicacies, with a homemade feel that has been created by the very best in Scotland’s food and drink artisans.

Scotland in a Box Hamper

The Scotland in a Box Hamper is a great way to introduce someone to the rich, hearty delicacies that Scotland has to offer. Full of wonderful flavour, the box will make a great gift for anyone to enjoy.

You can browse our entire range of wonderful Scottish hampers here and discover more interesting facts and stories about Scottish culture and traditions here.