Anyone of Scottish descent will know in their blood the traditions of Burns Night and the famous Haggis, but if you hail from outside the fair lands of Scotland, we’ve created a quite introduction.
Robert Burns was one of Scotland’s most famous personalities and although he died in 1796, he still remains an extremely important part of Scottish tradition plus a good excuse for a bit of good ol’ Scottish hospitality.
To show their appreciation of good ol’ Rabbie Burns as he’s better known, many Scots celebrate his birthday on January 25th each year with a Burns’ Night Supper which involves reading of his poetry, gathering of families and communities and of course a Haggis.
What to expect: The traditions for the Robert Burns Supper are laid down although naturally vary depending on the size and formality of the gathering.
1) Traditionally a piper will pipe in the top table guests who are usually dignitaries, family heads and entertainers (speakers) to an applause from the gathered. As not everyone in Scotland has a big-piper to hand, a recording is also allowed. Once the top table is seated then proceedings can begin.
2) The Master of Ceremonies will then welcome everyone to the gathering, introduce the members of the top table and possibly run through the events of the evening such as who will be taking each of the speeches. They always finish with the Selkirk Grace which is a Scottish variation on the traditional pre-dinner prayer.
3) One of the most important parts of the evening is the piping in of the Haggis. To those outside Scotland this might seem a little unusual, but as Robert Burns poem “Address to a Haggis” is so popular, this is an absolute must during which all the gathered persons stand to honour the haggis as it is brought into the room. Usually the tune is something akin to Brose & Butter, although any rousing tune can be used.
4) Address to a Haggis is not only a poem, but also the next step in proceedings during which either the Master of Ceremonies or one of the appointed speakers honours the Haggis and stands over it with a dirk (kindof knife) in hand. He recites the poem ‘To a Haggis’ and during the line “An’ cut you up wi’ ready slight” he cuts the Haggis half. The speaker than holds the Haggis high and announces “‘Gie her a Haggis!’” or essentially “I give you the Haggis”.
The Haggis is then pipped back out of the room ready to be prepared for dinner.
5) Three speakers or entertainers keep the memory of Rabbie Burns alive either with song or recietement from one of his poems, plus an account of the great man’s life going into depth over every aspect of Scotland’s national poet. Each speech is different and for larger gatherings, professional Burns speakers are often employed to fully capture the times and nature of Robert Burns.
6) Toast to the Lassies shows that although traditional, the Burns Night Supper isn’t intended to be taken too seriously. The albeit perhaps not entirely politically correct speech should “gently ridicule the (few) shortcomings of women” although this must be kept very tongue in cheek and humorous. Don’t worry, the women get their turn soon!
7) A further entertainer generally breaks up proceedings generally this time with dancing and fiddling to keep the party atmosphere.
8) Reply to the Toast to the Lassies is where the women get their chance to point out a few of the shortcomings of the men plus traditionally to “thank” them for their “kind” words. Again this is all tounge in cheek and ends on a positive note while interweaving some of the many good references Burns made to their fairer sex.
9) A very brave final entertainer now stands before the merry and somewhat intoxicated audience to perform either song, dance or more readings from the great man. Whether the final entertainer is also allowed to drink before this isn’t officially described, but one imagines this would help. ;)
10) After thanking the gathered for a grand night, the final tradition is to sing the great Burns classic “Auld Lang Syne” which might also surprise a few outside Scotland who associate this with Christmas. In Scotland however, the song is used regularly for family and other gatherings and is designed to wish good tidings to all those you have spent the evening with and good fortune in the future.
More Scotland Resources:
Visitor attractions in Scotland
Hotels in Scotland
Bed and Breakfast in Scotland
Holiday cottages in Scotland
The Home Secretary Theresa May has announced that all tents and encampments at Olympic venues at the London 2012 Olympic Games will not be permitted. The measure is being taken to prevent encampment protests, it is claimed. LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) is responsible for security at the Games and will need to submit a request to the police that prevents camping equipment from being brought to the Olympic venues. A full list of the restricted items at the venues is likely to be published with the next ticket sales in April 2012.
We all need cheering up at this time of the year, with Christmas a memory and cold weather seeming to stretch away forever. In Northumberland you can keep our spirits up by enjoying stunning snowdrop displays. The annual Snowdrop Festival at 
Premier Inn are offering £19 family rooms this February Half Term so families can get out and enjoy the best Britain has to offer without worrying about the costs!
Apparently surveyors have found that 
The Lancashire village of Thornton is celebrating having the best fish n’ chips in the country aftertheir local Seniors fish n’ chip shop won the prestigious Seafish “Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year 2012″ award.
If you’re a 2012 Games event ticket holder, you can 
The most romantic time of the year is fast approaching with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Couples who are looking for somewhere extra special to spend some quality time together will find romantic experiences in abundance in Bath. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath has a winning combination of beautiful Georgian architecture, stunning scenery, luxurious accommodation and superb restaurants, earning a reputation as one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Often considered going to the Lake District but never actually been? Well, now it’s official that you really should visit at least once in a lifetime!
