Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire, the Ploughman Poet and various other names and epithets, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide.

Robert Burns Humanitarian Award

Jean Armourm. 1788–1796

Dumfries, United Kingdom

“It is clear that Burns liked alcohol and was inebriated on numerous occasions. However, it is false to suggest that his drinking contributed to his demise. The symptoms strongly suggest he had terminal heart failure from bacterial endocarditis, as a complication of rheumatic fever.”

William Burnes

The main attraction of Burns Night is the Burns Supper. This traditionally involves participants donning tartan, listening to bagpipes, crooning Auld Lang Syne – also sung at New Year’s Eve – and reciting the great writer’s songs and poems.

People traditionally greet each other with the phrase “Sláinte Mhath!” which translates to “Good Health!” – it’s pronounced “slanj’-uh va’”. If you want to directly translate the words “Happy Burns Night” you could try “Oidhche Bhlas Burns”.

Furnish your menu with a cock-a-leekie soup starter, followed by traditional haggis (if you dare) with neeps and tatties. That’s potatoes and swede, usually served separately, but you could also try serving them as clapshot where the roots are mashed together.

How to host a Burns Night supper

1. Prepare your Burns supper menu.
2. Piping in the guests (and the Haggis)
3. Celebrate Robert Burns’ work.
4. Make a few toasts with a dram of whiskey.
5. Prepare some Burns-inspired speeches…
6. … And invite some replies.
7. Make way for dancing.