What Is Burns Night? Celebrating Scotland’s Bard with Poetry, Whisky, & Tradition

On January 25th, Scots and those with Scottish cultural connections will gather to celebrate Burns Night - an annual holiday that honors the life and legacy of Scotland’s National Bard.
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On January 25th, Scots and those with Scottish cultural connections will gather to celebrate Burns Night – an annual holiday that honors the life and legacy of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns. Although Burns Night remains an intrinsically Scottish tradition, celebrations are now held around the globe, showcasing the cross-cultural appeal of Burns’ poetry and his love of scotch whisky

So, what exactly is Burns Night? How do they celebrate in Scotland? And how can you bring the festivities into your own home? 

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Robert Burns 

Robert Burns (1759-1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist. Regarded as the National Poet of Scotland, Burns contributed heavily to Scottish literature during his short lifetime, and many of his writings remain prevalent in popular culture today. 

For example, the traditional New Year’s ballad, Auld Lang Syne, is attributed to Burns having been written in 1788. It is thought that Burns took inspiration from the ballad Old Long Syne by James Watson, printed in 1711. However, Burns is credited with writing the song as we know it today.  

A Scotch Whisky Advocate

Burns was also a lover of scotch whisky, with many of his poems – such as Tam O’Shanter (1791) and John Barleycorn (1782) – praising Scotland’s National Drink. 

In Tam O’Shanter, Burns likens whisky to liquid courage and bravery, writing: 

“Inspiring bold John Barleycorn [whisky]!
What dangers thou canst make us scorn!
Wi’ tippeny [tuppenny ale], we fear nae evil;
Wi’ usquabae [whisky], we’ll face the devil!”

Despite his short career as an Exciseman (a government official responsible for collecting taxes on goods like whisky and enforcing laws against illegal distillation and smuggling) Burns was a passionate advocate for scotch whisky. 

He was outspoken about the unfair taxes levied on scotch whisky and was a steadfast supporter of the working class.

How Did Burns Night Originate?  

Robert Burns died at the age of 37 in 1796. On July 21st, 1801, the fifth anniversary of Burns’ death, a group of his friends gathered to remember him. This celebration then developed into a Scottish cultural tradition that is observed across the country every year. 

Instead of being held on the anniversary of Burns’ death, it is now held on January 25th – his birthday. 

Burns Night Traditions & Celebrations 

Burns Night celebrations vary across the globe, but the tradition remains rooted in Scottish culture, which is the focus here.

Typically, the evening involves hosting a Burns Supper, which can range from grand gatherings to intimate dinners with family and friends. In Scotland, Burns Suppers are often organised by Burns Clubs or hosted in private homes. The event features food, whisky, poetry, and dancing.

The evening begins with the recitation of a traditional Scottish grace, followed by the soup course, usually smoked fish or cock-a-leekie soup.

Next comes the main course: haggis—a traditional Scottish dish made of offal, oatmeal, suet, onion, and spices cooked in a sheep’s stomach—is ceremonially brought to the table, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes*. The host then recites Burns’ poem Address to a Haggis while slicing the haggis.

*Side note: If you have not tried haggis before, do not let the description put you off. Honestly…it is delicious.

The dish is served with “neeps and tatties” (mashed turnips and potatoes), and guests often enjoy a dram of scotch whisky alongside their meal.

Bagpipes play as the haggis is brought to the table at Burns Supper.

After dinner, toasts are made to Burns, celebrating his life and legacy. A humorous ‘Toast to the Lassies’ follows, typically delivered by one of the male guests, offering a lighthearted tribute to women. This is often followed by a witty ‘Reply to the Toast to the Lassies’ from the women.

Dessert—often cranachan or clootie dumplings—is then served.

As the meal concludes, guests may take turns reading Burns’ poetry, such as Tam O’Shanter or A Man’s a Man for A’ That. Traditional ceilidh dancing is sometimes done after the readings. The evening concludes with everyone holding hands in a circle and singing Auld Lang Syne.

Burns Night is undeniably one of the most Scottish evenings you can experience.

How Will You Be Celebrating? 

As mentioned, Burns Night has become a global celebration, embraced by those with Scottish heritage or cultural ties.

If you’d like to experience a traditional Burns Supper, seek out a Burns Club near you. These clubs exist worldwide, enabling people to honour Scotland’s most beloved poet.

Alternatively, consider traveling to Scotland for Burns Night—nothing compares to the authenticity of celebrating in the land of Burns.

For a quieter celebration, simply raise a dram of scotch whisky to Robert Burns from the comfort of your home.

Robert Burns’ enduring legacy is a source of immense pride for Scotland. His use of the Scots language and references to Scottish culture have endeared him to generations. His literary impact is profound, influencing writers such as William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Even Bob Dylan cites Burns as an inspiration. Burns is celebrated as a pioneer of the Romantic movement and remains a beloved figure in Scottish history.

Happy Burns Night, and slàinte mhath!

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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