Celebrating Burns Night

Today marks the much-celebrated Burns Night in Scotland where the nation celebrates their national poet who was born on January 25^th 1759. Burns was born in Alloway near Ayr and during his life wrote numerous songs and poems which are still part of modern Scottish life today. His works received some attention during his life but it was not until the centuries following his death when his poetry has become even more popular. Why not have a look at  Scotland cottages for a Burns Night break?

A traditional Burns Supper

Dinner on Burns Night is no regular affair with the traditional meal becoming a spectacle in its own right.  The meal begins with cock-a-leekie soup, the Scottish national soup of chicken and leeks.  As you’d expect, the haggis is the main event of any Burns supper and is served with neeps and tatties.  The haggis is paraded around the dining hall preceded by a piper while a whisky bearer ensures glasses are suitably filled for the forthcoming toasts.  The haggis is raised before the waiting diners who respond with rapturous applause.  Clootie dumpling rounds off the meal before an evening of traditional music and entertainment.

Poetry, song and dance

As soon as the meal is over guests take it in turns to recite or sing a Burns classic.  Parties tend to become rowdier as the evening and whisky consumption goes on with a rousing rendition of Auld Land Syne to finish the evening.  Some parties also include traditional Scottish dancing with the Dashing White Sergeant and Gay Gordon a popular choice.  Download the Burns Night iPhone App from Scotland.org which offers you 558 of Burns’ poems and songs and a handy glossary to interpret the Scots dialect.

Last minute breaks to Scotland

There’s nowhere better to celebrate Burns Night than in Scotland whether you’re a Scot returning to your roots or just looking for an unusual evening of history and merriment.  So, why not have a look at these short breaks in Scotland? Book now and you could be celebrating the national Bard later tonight!