In this article we explain what is Burns Night, why Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland and some of the Burns Night traditions. If you will be visiting Scotland in January and get a chance to celebrate Burns Night, you’ll find suggestions for where to join in the celebration of Burns Night in Scotland.
What’s Burns Night?
Burns Night takes place on January 25th every year, the anniversary of his birthday. On this day the nation pays homage to its beloved national poet, Robert Burns.
It is a jolly and convivial occasion, with Burns Night Suppers taking place across the country. If you want to learn more about Robert Burns or celebrate with young family, there are usually other events commemorating the life and works of Robert Burns around this time.
Who was Robert Burns?
Robert (Rabbie) Burns, fondly known as the “Ploughman Poet” or the “Bard of Ayrshire,” is probably Scotland’s most famous writer. During his relatively short life, he wrote or collected over 550 songs and poems, becoming regarded as Scotland’s national poet. Burns is known for works such as “Auld Lang Syne”, “Tam o’Shanter” and “To a Mouse”.
Why is Burns Night Celebrated?
Burns Night is a night to celebrate and honour Robert Burns. It signifies the unique place he occupies in Scottish culture and history. His literary works not only showcased the poetry of the Scots language internationally but also captured the essence of Scotland and the Scottish identity.
Burns’s impact was not confined to literature. His role in collecting and preserving traditional Scottish folk songs was an invaluable contribution to the preservation of the nation’s rich musical heritage.
The annual celebration of Burns Night reflects both his enduring legacy in Scotland’s cultural heritage and also the affection and popularity with which he is regarded. Burns’s verses often touch on the struggles and triumphs of common folk, meaning people from all works of life could relate to his work.
Burns Night Traditions
What goes on at a traditional Burns Night celebration?
Burns Night is a lively and convivial celebration marked by traditional customs and rituals. The centrepiece of the festivities is the Burns Supper, a feast of traditional Scottish fare accompanied by poetry recitations, song, and the ceremonial addressing of the haggis.
Piping in of the Guests and welcome speech
A formal Burns Supper will feature a bagpipe accompaniment to the arrival of the guests. Following this the guests will be welcomed by their host
The Selkirk Grace
Before the meal, attendees say the Selkirk Grace, a short prayer attributed to Burns, expressing gratitude for the meal.
“Some hae meat an canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
And sae let the Lord be thankit.”
Burns Night Menu
The meal typically begins with a soup course, followed by the main event – haggis, neeps and tatties. Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made of minced sheep’s offal, suet, and oats, seasoned and encased in the sheep’s stomach. It is served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
Piping in the Haggis
The haggis will make a dramatic entrance of the haggis, Bagpipes play as the haggis is paraded into the room by the cook. The Master of Ceremonies, or a chosen speaker, recites Burns’s famous poem, “Address to a Haggis.”
“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin’-race!”
The reader cuts the haggis during the third verse on reading of the line “An’ cut you up wi’ ready slicht”.
The Immortal Memory
One part of the proceedings is the Immortal Memory. A poignant and reflective moment, the Immortal Memory is a tribute to Burns’s life and legacy. A speaker will share anecdotes, readings, and insights into the poet’s work.
Toast to the Lassies and Response
The evening is punctuated with toasts of whisky, including the amusing “Toast to the Lassies” and its witty counterpart, the “Response,” fostering good-natured banter between genders.
Poetry Readings and Songs
During the Burns Night Supper there will be other recitations of the poet’s verses and renditions of his songs, all contributing to the convivial atmosphere.
Auld Lang Syne
The evening concludes with a heartfelt rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” a song that symbolises friendship and the passage of time. Participants join hands, creating a circle of unity as they sing this iconic anthem.
Burns Nights 2026
Suppers & Other Events
Arguably the most significant date in the national calendar, Burns Night takes place on January 25th each year. If you are visiting Scotland in January don’t miss out on the chance to take part in the celebrations of the life of Scotland’s most treasured poet. There will be events of all varieties taking place all over Scotland. Take your pick from traditional Burns Night Suppers to grander balls or concerts, ceidhlihs and festivals.
Burns Suppers
Burns Suppers will be held throughout Scotland on, or close to, the 25th of January. The traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties is usually accompanied by poetry, song and of course a few drams. Read on for our selection.
Meldrum House Burns Supper
January 24th, Aberdeenshire
Celebrate Burns Night in style at 13th Century Meldrum House Country Hotel set in 240 acres. This glamorous event normally sells out so you will need to book. Expect a classic Scottish menu, whisky cocktails and a dram from the local Glen Garioch Distillery. This year’s event features a pre-dinner display of Scottish dancing from a top dance team and a live ceilidh band.
Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh
January 23rd & 24th
Celebrate aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia at this exclusive annual ticketed event. The evening begins with a warm welcome from Britannia’s piper, setting the tone for an unforgettable Scottish experience. You will be served a sumptuous five-course meal in the State Dining Room by Britannia’s butlers, showcasing the finest Scottish ingredients. Traditional Scottish music will accompany the dinner, culminating in the iconic ‘Address to a Haggis.’ Guests will then enjoy Scotland’s national drink in the elegant State Drawing Room, while our skilled Scottish Storyteller shares captivating tales of Burns’ legacy.
The evening also features a red carpet welcome, a drinks and canapé reception, and a highlights tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia, ensuring a truly memorable experience. Both nights are currently sold out but you can ask to be added to a waiting list by emailing Events@tryb.co.uk
Burns Day at the Tolbooth
Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh, January 25th
Celebrate Burns Day 2026 in a more relaxed style at one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, the Tolbooth Tavern, on Sunday 25 January 2026. The event has three sittings at 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm. Live piping is from Liam the piper, followed by the iconic Address to the Haggis, complete with a dram of Dalmore 12-Year-Old whisky. The Supper itself is a three-course meal featuring Scottish classics, including Cullen Skink, haggis with neeps and tatties (vegetarian option available), and homemade cranachan. Tickets are £42.50 per person.
Le Haggis Burns Night Special
Supper Club, Dumfries, January 25th
Dive headfirst into one of the country’s most raucous winter traditions at the Le Haggis Burns Night Special in Dumfries on 25th January. Part of the much-loved Big Burns Supper festival, this intimate twist on Burns Night combines the classic Scottish feast – think locally sourced haggis, neeps and tatties followed by a local cheese board – with a lively cabaret atmosphere that blends music, humour and genuine Highland spirit. It’s Burns Night with a twist, served up with the festival’s trademark energy and cheeky entertainment.
Traditional Burns Supper
University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, January 24th
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 in a historic setting at the University of St Andrews on Saturday 24 January 2026. The event begins at 6.15 pm in the atmospheric Lower College Hall with a welcome drink, followed by a four-course Taste of Scotland Dinner, including the traditional haggis. During the meal you’ll enjoy the traditional Burns Night rituals, including a piper, the Address to the Haggis and readings of Burns’ poetry.
After dinner, the evening continues with a lively ceilidh in Younger Hall, featuring music by the Pure Scotch Ceilidh Band. For those who prefer to skip the dinner, ceilidh-only tickets are also available.
Other Events Celebrating the Life & Work of Robert Burns
January 2024
The Real Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh, 25th, 26th & 27th January
Experience a one-of-a-kind Burns Night celebration at Mary King’s Close, where poetry, history, traditional Scottish cuisine, and fine Scotch whisky come together in its well-preserved streets and hidden spaces, beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Along with tales of the past there will be recitals of Robert Burns’ poetry in this atmospheric setting. Toast Scotland’s beloved bard with a dram of whisky at the end of the tour. An optional extra available is a four-course Taste of Scotland menu at Amber Restaurant, the restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile.
Big Burns Ceilidh at the National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh, 26th January
The ever popular Burns Night Ceilidh returns to the National Gallery of Scotland in 2026. The Grand Gallery hosts the ceilidh with traditional dancing to live music and a caller. Attendees will also enjoy traditional food, drinks from a number of pay bars, Burns-themed activities and access to some of the galleries.
The dress code is tartan (of course!).
Sing Burns’ Songs
Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow
January 31st 13:30am
Join multi-instrumentalist and singer Celine Donoghue in a light-hearted exploration of a selection of the traditional Scottish songs written and collected by Robert Burns. Tickets are free but there is a booking charge.
Celebrating Burns at Edinburgh Castle
Saturday January 25th
Find out about the life of the great poet and hear his work performed at this event taking place at Edinburgh Castle. This light-hearted event runs four times during the day and booking is essential.
Burns an’ a’ That, Stirling Castle
January 25th
This event celebrating his work takes place at Stirling Castle, the location that inspired Burns’ famous Stirling Lines he wrote in 1787. In just ten lines the work laments the decline of Stirling’s power since the heyday of the Stewart monarchy.
Celtic Connections Burns Night Concert
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow, 26th January
A night of music, song and spoken word performances to celebrate Burns Night in a beautiful setting.
Annasach Ceilidh Band at The Counting House, Edinburgh
23rd January
Join the Annasach Ceilidh Band to celebrate Burns’ birthday at a historic venue in Edinburgh Old Town once frequented by the great man himself.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
If you are interested in finding out more about Rabbie Burns, why not hire a van from us and explore some of the places associated with his life and works? If you are here for Burns Night, no need to worry about the weather. Big Sky campervans are all fully insulated and have heaters so you can stay toasty even in the cooler months. Our fully inclusive campervan rental price includes absolutely everything that you will need for campervanning in Scotland. The only additional items we charge for is the hire of a portable toilet and additional drivers. Everything is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding if requested.
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