On the 25 January every year, Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland. But what is Burns Night, and where does the celebration come from? We invited one of our resident Scots to explain to us.
Robert Burns was a famous 18th century Scottish poet and lyricist and is considered by many to be the national poet of Scotland. One of his most famous poems is ‘Address to a Haggis’ which depicts the poet’s appreciation of the Scottish delicacy, haggis. After Burns’ death in 1796, his friends organised a Burns Supper in his honour and his works and poetry have been celebrated ever since on or around January 25 (his birthday).
Haggis is a traditional food which dates back as far as the 15th century. The dish is made of sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs), minced with oats, onions and spices, and is traditionally presented in the casing of the sheep stomach. It is always eaten at the Burns Supper (vegetarian versions are available) alongside neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
At a Burns Supper, the poem, ‘Address to a Haggis’, is traditionally read out as the haggis is brought into the room on a silver tray. A bagpiper will often accompany this proceeding.
Below is an extract, and translation, from one of his most famous poems, ‘Address to a Haggis.’
This poem was written by Burns to celebrate his appreciation of Haggis. As a result Burns and Haggis have been forever linked, and this particular poem is always the first item on the programme of a Burns supper.
| Excerpt | Translation |
|---|---|
|
Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care, |
You powers, who make mankind your care, |
On Thursday, 26 January, Chevening Scholars flocked to the historic Queen Margaret Union building in the University of Glasgow to celebrate the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns Night or, as the Scots call it, Rabbie Burns Nicht, has always been a festive occasion. This event usually involves a formal toast […]
More than 80 scholars travelled to Edinburgh for the inaugural Chevening Burns Night celebration. In collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, the scholars were treated to a fun evening of traditional Scottish poems and dancing at what is commonly known as a ceilidh, to celebrate the life of poet Robert Burns. The scholars were also […]
On January 25, Scotland and the United Kingdom celebrates the poet Robert Burns. More than 70 Chevening Scholars from all around the UK gathered at the University of Glasgow for an introduction to Scottish culture: Robert Burns’ poem, haggis, and a fun evening of ceilidh dancing. Arriving at the University of Glasgow on January 21, […]