Toast to the Bard: Celebrating a Traditional Burns Night Supper

Ode to the Bard

Ah, Burns Night! Every January 25th, Scots and Scots-lovers the world over celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. But how did this tradition start? The first Burns supper was held in 1801, just five years after Robert Burns’ death. It was organized by nine of his closest friends and held at Burns’ home in Alloway, Scotland. The night was filled with readings of Burns’ work, toasts, traditional songs and of course, haggis. From there, Burns Night became a regular tradition.

In the years following, Rabbie's friends and admirers started celebrating the poet on his birthday. As the tradition spread, Burns Night became a way for Scots to celebrate their heritage, culture and language. Today, Burns Night is an opportunity for Scots to get together and celebrate their heritage with readings of Burns’ work, enjoy a meal, listen to music, share stories, and of course, enjoy a wee dram of whisky.

A Proper Burns Night Supper

We love seeing all the photos of the guests in their Scottish finery and ready for the Burns Night Dinners. The excitement reflects the mood of fun and fellowship of the gathering.

"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."

~ The Selkirk Grace ~

The program for the evening traditionally has some core pieces, including:

• Piping in the Guests - A piper leads the guests into the dinner, playing a traditional Scottish tune, setting the mood for the evening
• The Selkirk Grace - The Selkirk Grace is a prayer attributed to Robert Burns that is often recited at the beginning of a Burns dinner (above).
• The bagpipes herald the Piping in the Haggis which marks the arrival of the centerpiece of the supper, haggis.
• “Address To a Haggis” – Burns’ traditional poem is recited or – more appropriately, performed – before eating.
• Toasts and Entertainment: Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to give speeches and recite poetry by Robert Burns. Requisite among these are ‘The Immortal Memory’ which is a keynote address on the life and works of Robert Burns, and the ‘Toast to the Lasses’
• ‘Auld Lang Syne’: At the end of the evening, the host will give a closing toast. The gathered group joins in a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne"

"Here's a hand, my trusty fiere!

And gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught,

For auld lang syne.

A Brief Burns Bio

Robert Burns is widely considered to be Scotland's national poet and a major figure in world literature. He is best known for his romantic poetry, which was written in Scots dialect and often centered on themes of love, nature, and patriotism. Burns' use of traditional Scots language and culture in his writing gave his work an authenticity that resonated with his readers. His often humorous and light-hearted take on life and its struggles also made his works accessible to a wide range of readers. His use of folkloric elements and simple language enabled him to create a unique style of poetry that continues to be popular today.

Bonus Fun fact: Atlanta, GA has a replica of the Burns Cottage! The Burns Club of Atlanta used the exact measurements of the original Alloway cottage in Scotland to have it built in 1911. In the 1970's, the cottage was added to the National Register of Historic Places in America. Read more about it on the Burns Cottage of Atlanta’s website or in this book review “Atlanta Robert Burns Cottage” by Frank R. Shaw, FSA.