At a Burns Supper

A Burns Supper is when there is a big celebration to remember the life and work of Robert Burns. This takes place each year on the 25th January, the day of his birth.

This celebration came about because about five years after Robert Burns' death nine Ayrshire men, who knew the poet, met at the cottage of his birth in Alloway to remember him. They dined on haggis and sheep’s head, several toasts were drunk, and Burns' own "Address To A Haggis" was said. The group arranged to meet again the following January - this was the beginning of the annual traditional Burns Supper.

Those attending a Burns Supper are welcomed in by the host and hostess. Important guests are seated at the top table and many of those present will be wearing Highland dress.

The Supper begins with the reciting of the Selkirk Grace:

It means:
Some have meat but cannot eat it,
And some would like to eat but do not have it
But we have meat and we can eat,
So let the Lord be thanked.

With great ceremony the Haggis is carried in upon a tray, led by a piper, and delivered to the top table. The Address To A Haggis is delivered by a member of the top table, usually performed with great expression and feeling. As he reaches the lines: "His knife see rustic Labour dight , And cut you up wi ready sleight..." the haggis is slain!