A Guide to Burns Night Feasting: Celebrating Scotland’s Favourite Bard

Burns Night, celebrated annually on the 25th of January, is a spirited homage to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Renowned for his evocative poetry and contributions to Scottish culture, Burns’ legacy is marked by an evening of tradition, camaraderie, and feasting. 

Whether you're a Scot or simply an enthusiast of all things Celtic, Burns Night is a brilliant opportunity to indulge in hearty food, drink, and verse. Here’s how to host a memorable Burns Night feast.

Setting the Scene

A proper Burns Night feast begins with the right atmosphere. Decorate your table with tartan accents, candles, and thistles for a truly Scottish vibe. Play traditional Scottish music or pipe tunes in the background to set the mood.

Encourage guests to dress in kilts, tartan sashes, or formal attire to honour the occasion. The more festive, the better!

The Menu: A Feast Fit for the Bard

The Burns Supper revolves around classic Scottish dishes. Here’s a traditional menu to inspire your feast:

Starter: Cullen Skink

A rich, creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. It’s the perfect way to warm up your guests for the meal ahead.

Main Course: Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties

The star of the evening is undoubtedly the haggis. This savoury pudding, made from sheep’s offal, oatmeal, and spices, is traditionally served with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes).

Tip: If you’re hosting guests who are less adventurous eaters, vegetarian haggis is a delicious alternative.

Dessert: Cranachan

A sweet finale to the meal, cranachan is a layered dessert of whipped cream, raspberries, honey, toasted oats, and a splash of whisky.

Drinks: Whisky and More

Scotch whisky is the drink of choice for Burns Night. Serve a selection of single malts or blends to pair with each course. For non-whisky drinkers, a robust ale or elderflower cordial makes a fine alternative.

The Ceremony: More Than Just a Meal

Burns Night is as much about tradition as it is about food. Here’s how to structure your evening:

The Selkirk Grace

Begin with this short, traditional blessing attributed to Burns.

“Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.”

Piping in the Haggis

If you have access to bagpipes, use them to ceremoniously bring the haggis to the table. If not, play a recording of a bagpipe tune for the same effect.

Address to a Haggis

Courtesy Gordon Johnson of Pixabay

Recite Burns’ famous poem, Address to a Haggis, before cutting into the dish. This lively ode is a highlight of the evening, and a dramatic knife plunge into the haggis is essential.

Toasts and Readings

The Immortal Memory: A speech honouring Robert Burns’ life and works.

The Toast to the Lassies: A humorous address celebrating women.

The Reply to the Toast to the Lassies: A witty response from a female guest.

Sprinkle the evening with recitations of Burns’ poetry or songs like A Red, Red Rose or Ae Fond Kiss.

Closing with Auld Lang Syne

End the night by linking arms and singing Auld Lang Syne, one of Burns’ most enduring works.