Burns Night and Burns Suppers in Scotland

January 25th is traditionally marked in many places around the world as a celebration of Robert Burns' life and works. In Scotland Burns Night is often celebrated with a Burns Supper consisting of Burns recitals and lashings of haggis, neeps and tatties.

Burns night comes at a perfect time of year when people need a boost and something to look forward to as the memories of Christmas and Hogmanay slip away.

The format of a Burns supper depends largely on the guests and location but usually runs along well recognised lines as desccribed in detail at the BBC Burns Night page.

Although anyone could put on a burns supper themselves, sometimes it is much more fun to attend a large one with professional entertainers. These can be often advertised in local press but of course if you're coming to Scotland from elsewhere for Burns Night you need info on the web. One of the best listings we've found for public Burns Suppers is the excellent site of The List.

If you are considering booking a hotel in Scotland over Burns night then it's best just to phone and check with them if they are having any kind of celebration for Burns Night. Many hotels put on a special night in their restaurant just for Burns.

Unlike celebrations for other writers, many workplaces and corporations put on a Burns night. This goes for corporations outside Scotland too - check with your work and you might be surprised, although it might not be a good idea to see your boss galloping round the tables on a broomstick horse reciting Tam O' Shanter.

Whether you decide to celebrate Burns night at home, in a hotel, at a public Burns supper or with work colleagues, the emphasis should be on enjoying the night - it's like no other. Slainté.