Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalised haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day.

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of the version of the Scots poem "Auld Lang Syne," which is generally sung as a folk song at Hogmanay and other New Year celebrations around the English-speaking world.

The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years after his death on July 21st 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the haggis. Although the date has changed to the 25th of January since then, they have been a regular occurrence ever since.

The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, January 25. They may be formal or informal but they should always be entertaining. The only items which the informal suppers have in common are haggis, whisky and perhaps a poem or two. However the formal suppers, which are often held by Burns clubs follow a standard format which is as follows.


THE FORMAT FOR A BURNS SUPPER

• Chairperson's opening address
• A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace
• The company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. A piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife.
• It's customary for the company to applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky.
• The company will then dine. A typical Bill o' Fare would be: