On January 25th each year, we honour Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, with an evening of haggis, whisky, and poetry. This celebration, known as Burns Night, is a fusion of community spirit, traditional Scottish fare, and the timeless works of Burns.

What is Burns Night?
Burns Night is an annual event commemorating the birth of Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet. Born in 1759, Burns’s influence extends far beyond Scotland, touching hearts worldwide with his poetry and songs.
The Tradition of Burns Supper
The Burns Supper began in 1801, five years after Burns’s death when his friends gathered in Alloway to share haggis, recite his works, and honour his memory. This tradition has evolved into a structured event:
The Event Order
- Gathering: Guests come together, greeted by the host with some opening words.
- The Meal:
- Starter: Often a soup like Scotch broth or Cullen skink.
- Main Course: The iconic haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes) are served. The haggis is ceremonially piped in, followed by the “Address to a Haggis” poem.
- Dessert: Traditional choices include cranachan or clootie dumplings.
- After Dinner:
- Poetry Readings: Guests enjoy recitations of Burns’s poetry.
- The Immortal Memory: A speech reflecting on Burns’s life and contributions.
- Toasts: Including the Toast to the Lassies and its response.
- Closing: The night concludes with “Auld Lang Syne” sung arm-in-arm.

Burns Night Cuisine
- Haggis: Central to Burns Night, this dish is a blend of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with oatmeal, onions, and spices, encased in a sheep’s stomach.
- Neeps and Tatties: Turnips and potatoes, mashed and served alongside haggis.
- Desserts: Cranachan, a dessert of whipped cream, whisky, honey, raspberries, and oatmeal, or clootie dumplings, a fruit pudding.
Haggis Recipes for Burns Supper
- Classic: Traditional haggis with neeps and tatties.
- Innovative: Try haggis bonbons for a starter or incorporate haggis into other dishes for a modern twist.
Burns Night Whisky
No Burns Night is complete without whisky. Here’s how you can choose:
- Islay: Known for smoky, peaty flavours.
- Speyside: Offers sweeter, fruitier notes.
Making Burns Night Your Own
- Music: Play traditional Scottish tunes or Burns’s songs. Check out our curated Spotify playlist.
- Games: Organize a haggis hunt or a Burns quiz night.
- Dance: Have a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish social dance, adding a lively touch to the evening.
Burns Night Songs and Poems
Burns’s creations like “Auld Lang Syne,” “Scots Wha Hae,” or “To a Mouse” are perfect for recitals. They encapsulate the spirit of Scotland and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Hosting Your Own Burns Supper
- Menu: Start with soup, move to haggis, and conclude with a sweet Scottish dessert.
- Ambience: Decorate with tartan, perhaps project light images of Burns or his poetry around your space.
- Entertainment: Engage your guests with poetry, music, and maybe even a treasure hunt for a playful twist.
Burns Night isn’t just about the food or the drink; it’s a celebration of culture, camaraderie, and the poetic genius of Robert Burns. Join us in this annual tribute where every element from the piping in of the haggis to the final chorus of “Auld Lang Syne” honours the legacy of Scotland’s beloved bard.

Transport for Burns Night In Aberdeen
At Aberdeen Taxis, we’re here to help you get to these events safely and on time, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself!
Don’t worry about finding expensive parking or forgoing some drinks so you can drive to a from the event. Book an Aberdeen taxi and let us deal with the stress of getting you back and forward from the gig!
Prebook your Aberdeen Taxi for your night out through our convenient platforms:
Call Aberdeen Taxis on 01224 200200
Drop into the Aberdeen Taxis office at 5 Crown Street Aberdeen AB116HU
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