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Burns Night Celebrations in Edinburgh

the address to a haggis

a platter of haggis

the haggis being piped in at a Burns Supper

piping in the haggis

a portrait of Scotland's National Bard Robert Burns

a portrait of Robert Burns

Join in Edinburgh’s Burns Night festivities and celebrate Scotland’s National Bard. Every year Robert Burns is commemorated on the date of his birth, 25 January, with an evening of traditional food and drink, rousing verse and memorable entertainment.

Burns Night signals the end of Edinburgh’s fantastic Winter Festival calendar of events and there are many ways that you can take part in the celebrations. Why not attend a formal Burns Supper at one of Edinburgh’s lavish venues such as stunning Prestonfield House Hotel? Or enjoy a dram from the remarkable collection at Whiski Bar during their Burns Supper complete with traditional music. You could even organise your own Burns Supper with a group of friends for a relaxed evening of fun.

Delicious food and drink is a key element of any Burns Supper and the traditional main course of haggis is truly the crowning glory. At formal gatherings the haggis is ceremoniously piped in before the ‘master of ceremonies’ gives a stirring recital of Burns’ To a Haggis, finishing by raising the platter above his head and shouting ‘Gie her a Haggis!’.

Enjoy readings of Burns’ most famous work and performances of his songs during the evening along with humorous speeches, such as the Toast to the Lassies - a light hearted speech about the shortcomings of women. Later on in the evening the ladies do get the chance to retort during the Reply to the Toast of the lassies. Complete the evening by joining hands with your neighbour to sing the poet’s famous song about parting, Auld Land Syne.

Find out more about Burns by downloading the free Robert Burns app to your iPhone which includes a database of his poetry, facts about his life and tips for hosting a Burns Supper.