How to Host Your Own Burns Supper
Burns Night is a night no whisky or Scottish literature fan should miss! Celebrated to mark the birth of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, it is a night filled full of good food, performance - and, of course, great whisky. Thinking about how to host your own Burns Supper? We’re here to share our top tips on how to make it a night to remember!
The history of the Burns Supper
Robert Burns, or “Rabbie Burns”, is regarded as one of Scotland’s most famous poets. Although Burns only lived a short life to the age of 37 (1759 - 1796), he is considered one of the greatest and most iconic figures within Scottish culture. It’s likely that no matter where you are in the world, you’ll have come across the works of Burns - even if you aren’t a poetry or literature fan.
The very first Burns Supper took place in 1801 in Burns Cottage, Alloway, five years after Burns’ passing by friends to remember the career, life and times of the poet. Although the first celebration took place on his death anniversary of the 21st of July, people around the world now celebrate his works on or around his birthday: the 25th of January.
Today, Burns Night brings together people from all walks of life to indulge in an evening of Scottish food, drink, music and, of course, lots of readings from Burns’ best works. Even if you’re not a big fan of poetry recitals, taking part in a Burns Night is a great way to become immersed in and experience a Scottish tradition that has remained relatively unchanged for over 200 years. Its history in action!
The order of a traditional Burns Supper
Taking part or hosting your own Burns Supper? Contrary to what many people may believe, Burns Night is traditionally a very structured affair. There are set times for welcome addresses, toasts, food and entertainment. If you’re not Scottish, or familiar with these traditions, it can be an intimidating itinerary.
Here’s what you can expect from the evening’s order of events:
Piping in the guests
A Burns Supper always begins with a gathering of friends. If going all out, the host will sometimes have a piper play the guests in, however, for most, a CD or online playlist with traditional Scottish music is more than enough. Once people have mingled for a while, the host of the night will introduce the evening, welcome his or her guests and invite everyone to take a seat.
The Selkirk Grace
Once everyone is settled, it’s almost time to eat. The host will move to perform “The Selkirk Grace”, a short prayer said before the meal.
Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it; most,
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.
Piping in the haggis
Next comes the most anticipated part of the evening: piping in the haggis! Guests will usually stand for the star guest of the evening - traditionally carried in from the kitchen on a silver platter, and followed by a procession of the chef/server, piper and the individual responsible for the first reading of the evening. At this point in the evening, guests are given a dram for toast bearing purposes, if they don’t have one already.
Address to the haggis
Don’t expect to dive into your dinner straight away! A designated reciter will perform the “Address to a Haggis” - one of Burns’ most famous poems over the meat. It begins:
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!
As the poem instructs, the reciter, whilst performing the reading, will cut into the haggis and “spill its guts” - a dramatic moment for sure! This is met with applause before everyone tucks in.
The meal
The haggis is led back to the kitchen for serving, and the first course is brought out. A traditional Scottish three-course meal typically features dishes such as Cock-a-leekie soup or Scotch broth as a starter and cranachan or whisky as the dessert to accompany the main meal of haggis, “neeps” (turnip) and “tatties” (potatoes.), served with a delicious whisky sauce. If there’s still room after, a meal may be finished off with a serving of cheese and oatcakes, or coffee and tea with traditional Scottish tablet.
The drink
And of course, Burns Night wouldn’t be complete without whisky. If it’s your job to select the drams, we have some wonderful expressions to choose from. Our Robert Burns Malt or Robert Burns Blend - created in honour of the great poet - are perfect choices to toast the occasion, being light and aromatic crowd-pleasing whiskies. Our Machrie Moor 10 Year Old, which packs a peatier punch and a richer texture, is a perfect dram to accompany a course such as smoked fish soup or a cheese board.
Whisky cocktails are increasingly popular and offer an alternative to a neat serving for those less familiar with a dram.
Toasts and speeches
The first entertainment
The evening then moves into the performance portion of the night. The first performance will usually be a Burns’ song performed by a musician or singer. However, not to worry - if the nerves are simply too much to sing, then a reading of one of Burns’ most celebrated poems, such as “To a Louse” is perfectly acceptable too!
The Immortal Memory
Next up is the main tribute of the night to Robert Burns, known as “The Immortal Memory.” This is when the lead speaker of the evening recounts Burns’ life highlights, low points and gives insight into why he is so celebrated. The speech should typically balance both sincerity and comedy and leave guests feeling moved by the life of Robert Burns. With a toast, the speaker concludes the speech.
The second entertainment
The Immortal Memory is then followed by another Burns’ reading or song.
Another Burns reading or song then follows the Immortal Memory, and perhaps a few more performances: a mix of speeches and songs.
The Toast to the Lassies
This toast is a celebration of the role of women in the present day and is typically delivered by a man. This is often a humorous but good-natured monologue, using selective passages from the works of Burns.
The reply to the Toast to the Lassies
A good-natured response, typically delivered by a woman in the group, who gets a little "revenge" following the male counterpart's jokes, but ultimately celebrates the role of men in present day society as well. This speech also ends with a toast by the female attendees of the event who stand up for the occasion.
Vote of thanks
The night ends with the host giving a “vote of thanks” to his or her guests
Auld Lang Syne
But before the night is over, guests are welcomed to stand, cross hands and send off the night with a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne, the last song of the evening and a sweet goodbye for all guests”.
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules for how you host your own Burns Supper - some may prefer to break up the evening with a ceilidh dance or a Burns’ quiz. How you choose to remember the bard is entirely up to you! The only thing that’s certain: you’ll need a steady supply of great whisky on hand!
Are you going to host your own Burns supper this year? Why not hop on over to Facebook or Instagram and tell us all about it!