Burns Night is upon us and Scots will be preparing to take part in a supper celebrating the country's most famous Bard.
Even hundreds of years after his passing, Robert Burns remains one of Scotland's literary treasures. The writer has created hundreds of works that are still celebrated today.
Regarded as the national poet of Scotland, Burns' writings are widely regarded for incorporating the traditional Scots language. One of his most famous titles, "Auld Lang Syne", is sung around the world on Hogmanay.
Back in 1801, five years after his death, close friends of Rabbie's got together to honour his memory on the anniversary of his passing, in an evening now marked as the first Burns night supper.
Now, over 200 years later, households across Scotland and around the world continue to mark the occasion on January 25. If you're looking to celebrate for the first time, or need some inspiration, you can read below to learn the Burns Night traditions that are still used to this day.
We've also included some excerpts of the best Rabbie Burns lines that you can say through the evening.
Traditional Burns Night supper
It's not an official Burns Night unless celebrants gather around the table for the traditional supper.
A meal to honour one of the greatest Scots, the dinner is made up of classic Scottish courses using local fare. Here, the host reads a verse from Selkirk Grace before the first course is served, which is usually a soup - either a Scotch broth, cock-a-leekie or Cullen skink.
This is followed by haggis as the main or intermediate course, paired with champit tatties and neeps - sides of mashed potato and turnip, all served with a whisky sauce.
Larger meals may include a third course of Scottish salmon, Scottish beef, a steak pie or game such as grouse or pheasant, paired with seasonal vegetables and potatoes.
Finally, it is custom to serve a sweet Scottish desert, like a traditional trifle, or cranachan - a national dish made of oatmeal, cream and raspberries with a drop of whisky.
If you're looking for culinary inspiration, you can check out The Daily Record's guide on cooking the classic Burns Night supper.
Selkirk Grace
Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thankit.
Addressing the haggis
A key part of the Burns Night supper, this custom involves the the Addresser, the chef, a piper and three glasses - or drams of whisky.
The piper leads the procession of the haggis, carried on a platter by the chef. As they circle the room, guests clap in time to the music. After this, the Addresser gives a glass of whisky to the chef and the piper, inviting the whole company to "toast the haggis".
The haggis is presented in front of the Addresser, who will then recite the "Address to a Haggis" poem. Written in December 1786, this was the first of Burns' poems to be published in a newspaper.
It's thought that Burns wrote the last verse whilst having dinner at a friend's house. The poem celebrates the strength of the "ordinary" Scotsman - a haggis-fed worker over those with more a "sophisticated" palette.
Addressing the Haggis
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang ‘s my arm.
Speeches
When the meal is done, it is then time for the speeches.
As is tradition, things kick off with the Loyal Toast which pays tribute to the monarch. This is followed by the main toast of the night, to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns.
The Immortal Memory should be a heartfelt toast to Burns' life and works and usually focuses on a specific theme, ending with raising glasses to the iconic Scot.
A Bottle and a Friend
Here's a bottle and an honest friend!
What wad ye wish for mair, man?
Wha kens, before his life may end,
What his share may be o' care, man?
Entertainment
The speeches are followed by entertainment – often including recitations and music. The night should end with a rousing rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" and three cheers, marking the end of a successful Burns Night before guests depart.
Burns night entertainment can range from listening to a bag pipe session, getting up for a ceilidh dance or reciting your favourite Rabbie lines.
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
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