Burns Night, which celebrates the life and works of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns, known for penning famous poems like Auld Lang Syne, To A Mouse and Tam O’Shanter.
Burns, whose work was inspired by Scotland’s rural experience, traditions and culture, is considered Scotland’s national poet, and his poems have become an important part of the country's national identity.
The annual Scottish event, which falls on January 25 every year, is closely connected with food and drinks, with people often consuming lots of haggis and whiskey as part of a traditional feast called the Burns Night Supper.
Here’s everything you need to know about Scotland’s national dish haggis, and why Scots follow the tradition of eating haggis for Burns Nights.
What is haggis and why is it eaten during Burns Night?
Haggis is a crumbly sausage with a coarse oat-like texture and peppery flavour. In the past, hunters often used up the offal first.
Minced heart, liver and lungs are bulked out with oatmeal, onions, suet, seasoning and spices, then cooked and boiled in an animal’s stomach.
The dish was popularised by Robert Burns in his poem Address To A Haggis. Later, in 1801, when his friends got together to celebrate his life five years after his death, they served haggis in his memory. Since then the unusual food has become the centre of Burns Night.
However, though haggis is considered Scotland's national dish, it's thought that the dish is not Scottish at all.
Food historian Catherine Brown has claimed that the recipe for haggis can be traced back to 17th century England, although the origins of the dish can be found even further back in history.
What is Burns Night Supper and what's on the menu?
Burns Night Supper is the traditional meal served on Burns Night, with the host performing Burns' poem Address To A Haggis before everyone tucks in.
The three-course meal typically begins with cullen skink - a thick creamy soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Other Scottish soups, like a Scotch broth, may also be served
The main dish is, of course, centred around haggis. Nowadays, vegetarian alternatives that substitute the meat with various pulses, nuts and vegetables are also widely available.
Haggis is usually served alongside neeps and tatties - a combination of mashed turnips and mashed potatoes - and a dram of whiskey, which you can either throw over the haggis or drink to wash down the crumbly sausage.
For dessert, people will be served clootie dumpling, a sweet treat that's best described as a cross between a carrot cake and a fruit cake. Another dessert is the cranachan or tipsy laird, which is basically a whiskey trifle
After eating, the night continues with a recital of one of Burns’ works before the Immortal Memory speech, in tribute to the bard.
Another speech, the Toast To The Lassies, is given as a thank you to the host, followed by the Reply To The Toast To The Lassies.
A final Burns reading is performed after which guests will traditionally sing Auld Lang Syne while holding hands with their arms crossed.
