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 when Burns Night 2025 takes place we’ve suggested some places 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 Night 2025
Numerous celebrations are set to take place across Scotland for Burns Night 2025. Here are a selection of Burns Night Suppers and other events of all varieties celebrating the life of Robert Burns this year. You can find more Burns Nights events on our page on Things to do in Scotland in January.
Big Burns Ceilidh, 24th January, Edinburgh
The Burns Night ceilidh returns to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The Jacobites Ceilidh Band provide the music for traditional dances such as Stip the Willow. Suitable for beginners a caller will guide you through the dances. Food, drink and a chance to explore the Museum’s galleries at night. Ticketed event that is expected to sell out.
Traditional Burns Supper, 24th & 25th January, Aberdeen
This Traditional Burns Supper at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen features the traditional feast of haggis, neeps and tatties, dancing and music from the Iron Broo Ceilidh Band.
Dumfries Burns Night Live
This event bills itself as the biggest Burns Night celebration in the world. Live music at the Loreburn Hall from 6pm (full line up yet to be announced). If you can’t travel to Dumfries where Burns spent his final years, you can join the event online.
The Erskine Burns Supper, January 31st, Glasgow
Celebrate the life and works of Scotland’s National bard in Glasgow. The full details are yet to be announced but expect a sumptious meal and Scottish themed entertainment at this charity event a stunning setting of at the Radisson Blu.
A Burns Night Hootenannay – Tam O’Shanter, St. Vincent’s Chapel, Edinburgh, January 25th
Award-winning concert pianist Matthew Shiel and renowned author Alastair Sim to create an immersive musical experience with a musical show inspired by Robert Burns and Scotland this Burns Night. Drams of whisky, kilts, sporrans and a dramatic reciting of Rabbie Burns’ Tam O’Shanter alongside the best Scottish folk music. The musical programme by candlelight includes some of the most haunting Scottish melodies ever composed: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ Farewell to Stromness, Burns’ Lea Rigg and Mendelssohn’s Overture to the Hebrides.
Beyond Burns, 30th January, Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow
Fine food dining and a show at this celebration of Burns featuring performances with a contemporary twist.
Celebrating Burns at Edinburgh Castle
The life and works of Robert Burns explained at brought to life at this special event at Edinburgh Castle on January 25th. Event runs at 11:15 am, 12:15, 2pm and 3pm.
Burns Online at the National Museum of Scotland
If you cannot make it in person, a new digital collaboration between Burns&Beyond and the National Museum of Scotland will give you a unique glimpse into the life of Robert Burns online. Using a selection of historic artefacts from the national collections, Dr. Calum Robertson, Curator at the National Museum museum, provides fascinating insights into the poet’s legacy. With music from the acclaimed Kinnaris, alongside recitations of Burns’ poetry.
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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