PublishBlogs 08 Jan 2025
What is Burns Night?
Burns Night marks the anniversary of the birth of the poet Robert Burns. On the 25th of January of each year, Scots pay tribute to the poet by enjoying a night of Scottish traditions, poetry, and a Burns supper. It's the perfect opportunity to explore Scotland’s rich cultural heritage!
So, what exactly is a Burns Supper?
A Burns Supper typically features of the Holy Trinity of Scottish cuisine: haggis, neeps, and tatties. And, of course, whisky. But what makes this event so special, you might be wondering. While each supper may vary slightly, it usually consists of three parts: the ‘Selkirk Grace’, the meal, and the Auld Lang Syne.
The supper begins with the ‘Selkirk Grace’ – a short prayer expressing gratitude for the food being served. This is also an opportunity for the host and attendees to share a few words. The haggis is the main event here. It is piped in and often accompanied by a rendition of the poem Address to a Haggis. Other works by Burns are also recited throughout the night, such as Toast to the Lassies or Immortal Memory. The supper is then closed with Auld Lang Syne – a folk song in Scots language based on one of Burns’ poems, reflecting on the past and long-standing friendships.
Celebrate Burns Night in Edinburgh
Supper with Burns at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
This popular evening activity takes place on 24th and 25th of January at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Come along for a delicious 3-course Scottish dinner featuring Burns’ stories, song, and lore! Performers include storytellers David Campbell and Ruth Kikpatrick, clarsach player Katie Harrigan, and Donald Smith.
Make a reservation here.
Burns Night at the Holyrood Distillery
Did you know that Burns’ love for whisky is almost as famous as his works? Join a very special tour of the distillery where you will learn more about the art of whisky-making in Burns’ time and his career connections to the industry. Expect live music, a pop-up bar, poetry recitals, and lots of fun! The tour also includes tastings of two of their single-malt whiskies.
Buy your tickets here.
An Edinburgh Burns Night at Mary King’s Close
This popular tourist attraction offers a unique take on their tours for Burns Night. Enjoy a night of poetry, history, Scottish cuisine and Scotch whisky as you dive into the city’s dark past and the preserved secrets underneath the Royal Mile. Tickets include a 1h guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close, a recital of Burns poetry, a dram of whisky per person, and a 4-course Taste of Scotland dinner at Amber Restaurant (optional).
Click here to book your tickets.
Book your tickets to Edinburgh with Lumo today on our website or app. For the best value tickets book early, tickets go on sale up to 26 weeks in advance.
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