Millions of Scots and plenty of non-Scots will be coming together over the next few days to celebrate the life of legendary Scottish writer Robert Burns and, naturally, whisky will play a starring role in proceedings.
A traditional Burns Night is one of those events that could prove to be a bit of a minefield for those who have never been to one before, especially as it might seem like everyone else knows what’s happening apart from you.
There’s no need to fear though; they’re usually quite light-hearted affairs and if the host who gives the Address To a Haggis knows what he’s doing (yes, Robert Burns wrote a poem about haggis), then you’re in for a treat! It’s a real spectacle.
Everyone is there to enjoy themselves and, of course, drink some damn good whisky and eat a fine supper of haggis, neaps and tatties so you’ll find that the night will give you a rosy glow and there was really no need to be nervous.
So, what happens at a typical Burns Supper? It sounds very formal, but in reality it’s all done in a pretty informal manner (usually).
The guests will be piped into the venue for the evening by a piper, usually playing some Burns tunes to get you in the mood for a night of Burns-ness.
Once everyone is seated, there is usually a welcoming speech by the host and, if he’s good, he’ll crack some jokes and keep it jovial.
At this point, the Selkirk Grace is recited. This is a poem that most attribute to Burns but he didn’t actually write it at all – knock your fellow guests dead with that fact!
Once the entrée is over with (usually a Scottish soup like broth that is not for the faint-hearted), the main event of the evening will begin – the haggis!
The chef carries a (usually comically large) haggis in, again being piped by a piper and takes it to the host who gives the Address To a Haggis poem. We’ll tell you now – it’s dramatic, enthralling and awesome if the host really goes for it!
After you’ve eaten your own bodyweight in haggis, neaps and tatties there is usually another round of toasts and thank yous and some renditions of Burns’ best work in the Immortal Memory.
Hearty food, great whisky and happy company can make a Burns Supper one of the best nights of the social calendar so if you’re going to one. Relax and enjoy it.
Top Burns Night tips:
Do not, at any point, ask anyone where the haggis was hunted. This is a closely-guarded secret and asking can offend. It is okay, however, to ask if the haggis you’re eating was male or female. PLEASE regard that as a joke. Haggis is not an animal. Idiot.
If you’re not quite sure about what to do and when to do it, just follow everyone else’s lead. It can look quite formal but, trust us, everyone is there to have fun.
Decided to go all out and wear a kilt to your Burns Supper? There’s a whole array of mistakes to be made here but just remember, the pleats go to the back and sporran is at the front. Easy!
Lastly, enjoy the food, enjoy the whisky and enjoy yourself!
