Those of you on Scottish hiking tours next week will probably be wondering what the Burns Supper is all about?
Many communities, families, groups, restaurants and pubs will host a Burns Supper on 25 January to celebrate the life and work of the poet Robert Burns. There are a number of stages to the supper however, which you may not be familiar with.
- Piping in the guests
You may have heard of piping in the haggis but the guests are also greeted with bagpipe music while they gather before the meal.
- Host’s greeting
The host will greet the guests and perhaps say a few words to remind people why they are attending a Burns Night supper.
- Selkirk grace
Though this form of Grace pre-dates Robert Burns it is said at a Burns Night supper as it is believed Burns himself said it when attending a meal with the Earl of Selkirk.
It goes:
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.
- Soup course
A soup course is served first, often a Scottish dish such as Cullen skink, or cock-a-leekie. They will be heavy and potato based which may be more than welcome in Scotland at this time of year!
- Piping in the haggis
This may be the part of the meal you are aware of and features the main part of the meal the haggis being brought to the dining room alongside bagpipers. Robert Burns Address to the Haggis is read out.
- Remaining courses are eaten
- Toast are given
These toasts will include a toast to the immortal memory of Robert Burns. This will be followed by an Address to the Ladies, which is of course followed by a Reply to the Laddies.
- Readings
Works by Burns are readout.
- Closing
Auld Lang Lyne is likely to be sung at the end.