Celebrating Burns Night

A GUIDE TO THE CELEBRATIONS BY DR ANDREA TANNER, FORTNUM'S ARCHIVIST 2007 - 2023

It's that time of year when Scotland's most beloved son Robert "Rabbie" Burns' life and work are celebrated. And whether you'll be out celebrating or keeping the revelries closer to home - i.e. your own living room - then all you need is good spirits and another kind of spirit too… whisky of course. 

Burns Night is celebrated across the world, particularly in countries with large populations with Scottish ancestry, such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia and USA, but they are especially popular in Russia, where Burns’ politics and poetry are praised and appreciated.

Fortnum’s has over a century of association with Burns Night. We were certainly selling haggis in January for the celebration by the Edwardian era and had our own label whisky by then too.

1

Traditionally, a piper pipes in the guests. If you don’t have anyone at home with the requisite skills, simply play the sounds of a lone piper. Scottish music is usually played while the guests are seated.

2

The host greets everyone, and says Selkirk Grace

''Some hae meat an canna eat, and some wad eat that want it; but we hae meat, and we can eat, and sae the Lord be thankit.''

3

Soup is served – Scotch Broth, Cullen Skink, or Cock-a-Leekie are the most popular. These are all rich and filling, and many people now substitute soup for Smoked Salmon, as modern alternative.

4

The haggis (boiled or baked) is piped in from the kitchen - usually to the tune "A Man's A Man for A' That", "Robbie Burns Medley" or "The Star O' Robbie Burns" - and laid on the table. Everyone stands up during the ceremonial progress.

5

The host, or a guest, recites the “Address to a Haggis” with a sharp knife or dirk in hand. At the words “his knife see rustic”, the haggis is cut open. Everyone toasts the haggis at the end of the poem, and the haggis is piped back into the kitchen.

6

The haggis is served with bashed Neeps (swede) and Tatties (mashed potato). It’s important to accompany it with a glass of whisky, good red wine and the best gravy, also made with whisky.

7

Dessert – usually Cranachan or Tipsay Laird, and a cheese course, made up of Scottish cheese, like Isle of Mull Cheddar, Lanark Blue or Crowdie and oatcakes, is then eaten.

Coffee and shortbread, or tablet is served, with a glass of whisky.

8

The main speaker then gives a short speech, called “The Immortal Memory”, on Burn’s life, his poetry, and his legacy. Sometimes this includes reciting a whole poem, or singing a song set to Burns’ words. A toast is then made to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, at which everyone stands.

9

A male speaker then rises and makes the 'Address to the Lassies'. Originally, this was a thank you to the women who had prepared the meal (Burns’ Suppers were all male affairs for a very long time). Now it covers the man’s view of the opposite sex. It has to be amusing but not offensive. Men then rise and toast the women guests, who remain seated, glowing in the praise.

10

This is followed by the 'Response o’ the Lasses', which is usually a wide-ranging – again amusing – speech about women’s views on men. It is not unusual for the two speakers to collaborate beforehand, so that the speeches complement each other. At the end of the Response, the women stand up and toast the Laddies.

11

There can then be poems recited or songs sung by guests. It is generally a good idea to have a copy of the Complete Works of Burns to hand, just in case memory falters. At the end of the meal, everyone stands, links hands, and sings Auld Lang Syne.

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