Also known as Rabbie Burns, is the Scotland’s favourite son. He is considered one of the most celebrated Scottish poet Included in the Romantic Movement in the 18th century, Burns wrote his poems in both English and Scots languages.
Robert Burns became popular because he wrote about the Scottish culture and tradition and his works are still celebrated not only in Scotland but also in different English speaking countries such as the United States or Australia.
His most popular works are “Auld Lang Syne”, “Scots Wha Hae”, “Tam O’Shanter” among others. His figure is remembered every 25th of January, Burns’ day of birth, called Robert Burns’ Night which consists in having Haggis as a dinner and cut open singing one of his famous poems “Address tae the haggis”.
Here is a typical run through and description of what is involved in a Burns Supper:
1. Piping in the top table
At formal gatherings, it is traditional for the top table guests to be piped in. However, at a smaller and less formal gathering, you can play some Scottish music, traditional bagpipe music or your favourite contemporary Scottish band, and clap along to welcome your guests.
2. Welcome
The selected Chairman or Speaker acts as Master of Ceremonies for the evening and welcomes the guests – the host of an informal evening usually takes this role. The Chairman introduces the top table and any other speakers and entertainers before reciting the Selkirk Grace:
‘Some hae meat and canna eat, And some would eat that want it, But we hae meat, and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be thankit’.
3. Piping in the haggis
The haggis is the crowning glory of a Burns Supper and, suitably, is piped in to an upstanding audience. Traditionally the chef carries the haggis in on a silver platter behind the piper and is followed by the person who will address the haggis.
4. The address to the haggis
The appointed speaker gives a dramatic rendition of Burns’ Address to a Haggis with a knife at the ready. After apologising for ‘killing’ the haggis, they then plunge the knife into the haggis and slice it open during the line ‘An’ cut you up wi’ ready slight’’ meaning ‘and cut you up with skill’. The recital ends with the platter being raised above their head whilst saying the triumphant words ‘Gie her a Haggis!’ to rapturous applause.
5.Toast to the haggis
The speaker then invites the guests to toast the haggis and everyone, including the chef, raises their glasses and shouts ‘The Haggis’ before enjoying a dram. The haggis is then piped back out to be prepared for dinner.
6. The meal
Spicy haggis, meat or vegetarian, is traditionally served with buttery mashed neeps and tatties and sometimes a whisky cream sauce.
7. First entertainer
The Chairman introduces the first entertainer who then performs one of Burns’ songs or poems such as A Red, Red Rose or Tam O’ Shanter.
8. The immortal memory
The main speaker is introduced and gives an enthralling account of Burns’ life. His literary prowess, politics, nationalistic pride in Scotland, faults and humour should all be explored to give the audience an insight into Burns’ life and works in a witty, yet serious way. The speaker concludes with an invitation to join in a heart-felt toast: ‘To the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns’.
9. Second entertainer
More celebration of Burns with singing or a recital.
10. Toast to the lassies
A humorous speech written for the evening that gently ridicules the (few) shortcomings of women that aims to amuse both sides of the audience – ‘observations’ therefore should not be too cutting! Despite the initial mockery, the speech ends on a positive note with the speaker asking the men to raise their glasses in a toast ‘to the lassies’.
11. Third entertainer
More songs, recitals and music.
12. Reply to the toast to the lassies
The chance for a female speaker to retort with some good-natured jokes of her own, beginning with a sarcastic thanks on behalf of the women present for the previous speaker’s ‘kind’ words, before giving a lively response highlighting the foibles of the male race, using reference to Burns and the women in his life. Again, this speech finishes on a positive note.
13. Final entertainer
The last entertainer bravely faces a merry crowd for some final songs and readings.
14. Vote of thanks
A vote of thanks is made to everyone who has made the evening such a roaring success, from the chef and speakers to the guests.
15. Auld Sang Syne
A Burns Supper traditionally ends with the singing of Burns’ famous song about parting, Auld Lang Syne. Everyone joins hands in a large circle and sings the words together and at the line ‘And here’s a hand’, you cross each of your hands over to rejoin those standing on either side of you.
Find out more stories like this one with the historical map in Timeline Trip Edinburgh
