January the 25th is host to one of the biggest nights in the Scottish Calendar - Burns Night. Marking the birth of the National Bard Robert Burns and celebrating all that is wonderful about Scotland, a traditional Burns Supper is hosted where poems are read in homage to Scotland's most prolific writers, Robert Burns.

The History of a Burns Supper

Born on the 25th of January 1759 in Ayrshire, Rabbie Burns is a national poet of Scotland who wrote lyrics and poetry in the Scots language. In 1796, Burns died of ill health and 5 years later, a group of nine friends and patrons got together to celebrate his life on his birthday. The first Burns Supper was held in his family home, Burns Cottage in Alloway. The organiser of this Supper, Rev'd Hamilton Paul, kept notes of the occasion, and the familiar Burns Supper checklist started taking shape.

National Bard Robert Burns

Scotland's National Bard Robert Burns

Setting the Scene

Tableware

Whether hosting for a large audience or a small circle of close friends, a key part of any social dinner party is setting the scene through tableware. Be sure to set your table with care and create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. We love the idea of a tasteful table runner and napkins, add a little dash of tartan to your setting with our Made to Measure Home & Interiors range on our website.

Burns Check Made to Order Lightweight Reiver Table Napkin | Rob Roy Ancient Made to Order Lightweight Reiver Table Napkin | Mackenzie Weathered Made to Order Lightweight Reiver Cushion Cover | Burns Check Lightweight Reiver Tartan Table Runner.

Made To Measure | Home & Interiors | Lochcarron of Scotland

Music

Although it is tradition to Pipe in the Haggis before it is eaten as the main course of your meal, it is not vital for your Burn's Supper! Instead, create the ideal Scottish atmosphere with a playlist of your favourite Scottish musicians.

Dress Code

Traditionally speaking, Scottish Highland Dress would be worn to a formal Burns Supper. Men will usually adorn their families tartan with the women opting for their Tartan Mini Kilts or Skirts and in some cases a Tartan Sash to match that of their kilted partner. Interestingly enough, as a Lowlander Burns would not have worn a kilt himself. It would have been illegal for him to wear a kilt under the Dress Act of 1746. Though abolished in 1782, kilts didn't become popular dress until the 19th century.

When hosting your own Burns Supper, be sure to let your guests know how formal or informal the occasion is so that they can dress accordingly. Have a look at Lochcarron of Scotland's Made to Measure products on our website, and inject a bit of Scottish history into your Burns attire!

Women's Made To Measure Tartan Accessories | Lochcarron of Scotland

Men's Made To Measure Collection | Order Online | Lochcarron of Scotland

Highland Granite Traditional Heavyweight Kilt | Cairn Day Sporran | Hip Flask with Celtic Knot | MacBeth Ancient Made to Order Reiver Sash

Food and Drink

With hearty Scottish food on the menu, a traditional Burns Supper is fairly straightforward.

To Start

Generally speaking, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to your Burns Supper starter. We would recommend using your favourite Scottish ingredients to create your perfect dish. Traditional Scottish soup is a popular choice to start the evening meal, either Cock-a-leekie, Scotch Broth or Cullen Skink are just some of our favourites to warm your guests before their main meal.

If you choose to take a fresh approach to start your guests off, putting together a grazing board filled with wholesome Scottish produce is a great alternative. Smoked Salmon, chutneys, oatcakes, fruit and of course delicious Scottish cheese would be greatly appreciated by your dinner party guests.

Easy grazing board ideas | BBC Good Food

Main Course

Served for your main meal is Scotland's national dish haggis, neeps and tatties. Don't worry if you are vegetarian, there are a great selection of alternative haggis options available in the supermarkets.

Accompany your haggis with mashed potatoes, swede and a whisky cream sauce to bring your meal together.

Dessert

Clootie Dumpling is a steamed Scottish pudding made with dried fruit and spices, it is a great choice for a traditional Scottish dessert. Serve with a dram of whisky and ice cream or custard to complete your meal and leave your guests satisfied.

Alternatively, a hearty traditional Scottish sweet such a Cranachan, Tablet or Selkirk Bannock would pull together your meal beautifully.

The Running Order

With traditions going back so long, there are different takes on how a Burns Supper should be held. Remember that each event is individual to the host, with the main objective to have fun and celebrate all things Scottish. Here is a generally accepted running order of a traditional Burns Supper:

To Begin

  1. Pipe in the guests to their table
  2. A few welcome words from the host
  3. The Selkirk Grace is said once everyone is seated

The Selkirk Grace (Read in Scots)

“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 Meal

  1. Pipping in the haggis
  2. The famous Address to a Haggis
  3. The meal is served followed by dessert

After Dinning

  1. A tribute of Immortal Memory should be made to Burns
  2. A recital of a Burns song or poem
  3. Toast to the Lassies and their reply

After the final toast, feel free to throw in any added elements of entertainment! A ceilidh dance can not go amiss.

The End of the Evening

  1. Vote of thanks from the host
  2. To sing Auld Lang Syne - The best way to round off a successful Burns Supper joining hands through linked arms.

BBC - Robert Burns - Auld Lang Syne

Happy Burns Night from Lochcarron of Scotland

Whether it be celebrated in person or over the all too familiar video call, we wish you the best when planning and hosting your Burns Supper this year. 

Red Red Rose Lambswool Blanket | The Red Red Rose Tartan was designed by Lochcarron to celebrate the colliding of Burns' Night and Chinese New Year, both taking place on the 25th January in 2020. Take a look at our The Red Red Rose Tartan journal article to learn more about the creation of this beautiful tartan collection.