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Ultimate guide to Burns Night: celebrating Scotland’s national poet

Burns Night takes Scotland by storm each year in January, celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns – but who was he, why is he celebrated, and how can you get involved? Find out in our ultimate guide to Burns Night.

Who was Robert Burns? 

Robert Burns is now known as one of Scotland’s most talented poets, and he was born in 1759 as the eldest of seven children to his parents William Burns and Agnes Broun. Though they were a farming family and not particularly wealthy, Burns’ parents insisted he was educated and he began reading at an early age. 

However, Burns still began working the fields in his youth. These humble beginnings are why he is often referred to as the ploughman’s poet, even though farm work never particularly interested him – instead, he preferred to write poetry or get out in nature, and he was also known for his flair with women. Illicit relationships and affairs were a common part of Burns’ life.  

In 1786 Burns proposed to the one constant woman in his life, Jean Armour, but her father refused. Just as Burns was prepared to leave the country for Jamaica with another woman, Mary Campbell (also known as ‘Highland Mary’), his poetry began to gain traction across Scotland – and so he stayed. 

Success soon followed after Burns published his first collection in the summer of 1786, making him one of the most respected writers by the age of 27. He didn’t just find career accomplishment but also (finally) married Jean Armour in 1788, after which they moved to Dumfries.

However, Burns suffered from ill health and tragically died at just 37 years old in 1796 – on the day of his funeral, Jean Armour gave birth to his final son, Maxwell, meaning he left behind five surviving children. When Jean died 38 years later, she was buried next to him.

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Although his time was short, Burns made an immeasurable impact through his work earning himself the title of Scotland’s National Bard (Poet). His most well-known poems include To a Mouse, Address to a Haggis, Tam O’Shanter, A Red, Red Rose and The Selkirk Grace. Not only was he appreciated during his years of success, but his work inspired generations of Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 

Burns didn’t just write poetry, but also put words to traditional folk songs and even composed his own tunes. By the end of his life he’d also produced hundreds of songs, including ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘A Red, Red Rose’ and ‘A Man’s a Man for A’ That’. 

What is Burns Night and why is it celebrated? 

Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland on January 25th, in honor of the legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns – but it wasn’t always on that day. 

After Burns died, on the fifth anniversary of his death on July 21st 1801 his friends gathered to honor his memory. To do this, they recited some of his works; one of his now most-well known poems, ‘Address to a Haggis,’ was read aloud as they dined on haggis and a sheep’s head. 

This was the very beginning of what would become Burns Night as we know it, a tradition that has lasted over 200 years. In 1802 the celebration date was moved from his death to his birthday – though they initially got the date wrong, meeting four days after his birthday, rectifying this mistake in 1803. In the years after, Burns clubs appeared throughout Scotland that continued to celebrate his life, and since 1803 Burns Night has always been on January 25th

What is traditionally served on Burns Night? 

The first Burns Supper was held in 1801 in Burns Cottage, Alloway, which you can visit at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. While sheep’s head was served at the first ever Burns supper, it’s rare to see this on modern menus – though haggis is a mainstay. 

table set for dinner

Before dinner is served, most traditionally start with saying the ‘Selkirk Grace’, attributed to Burns: 

Some hae meat and canna eat, 

And some wad eat that want it, 

But we hae meat and we can eat, 

Sae let the Lord be Thankit! 

You can serve whatever you like for a Burns Night supper, but generally the first course is a Scottish soup, either Scotch broth, cock-a-leekie (leeks and peppered chicken) or Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder). 

The main event is usually the haggis, brought out alongside a reading of Burns’ poem, ‘Address to a Haggis’. The holy trinity of haggis, neeps (mashed turnip) and tatties (mashed potato) make up the traditional Scottish dish served at Burns Night. Often, the supper is washed down with a Scotch whisky, and the haggis is served with a whisky sauce. 

Dessert is often a traditional Scottish cranachan, a layered dish of toasted oats, cream, raspberries and a hint of whisky.

 

Where can I celebrate Burns Night? 

Of course, Burns Night celebrations began in Scotland, and that’s where you’ll find most of them in pubs, bars and restaurants – though nowadays, many Burns Night suppers take place across the UK, particularly in London, as well as across the USA. Can’t make it to any of the official events? Host your own! You have all you need in this guide to help you put on a fantastic Burns Night supper. 

Scotland Ledard Farm with Fergus and Gregor Wood

You might be wondering, what is the correct greeting on Burns Night? While there’s no official greeting for the occasion, you can go for a “Sláinte Mhath” (pronounced “slanj’-uh va”) which translates as “Good Health!” (it can also be said while cheersing). You can also say “Oidhche Bhlas Burns”, which means “Happy Burns Night”.

Discover the history of Burns Night for yourself and even more Scottish culture on a Trafalgar Scotland tour

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