It's that time of year again, folks! The nights are long, the wind's howling like a banshee, and we all need a good knees-up to chase away the winter blues. Lucky for us, Burns Night is just around the corner, falling on Saturday, January 25th, 2025. So, dust off your kilts, polish up your sgian-dubhs, and let's get ready to celebrate life!
Now, if you're scratching your head wondering what all the fuss is about, let us fill you in. Burns Night is when we come together to raise a glass to Robert Burns, the ploughman poet who gave us some of our most beloved verses.
It's a night of poetry, haggis, and more than a little drama. And let us tell you, it's a far sight more popular up here than St. Andrew's Day.
Who Was Rabbie Burns, Anyway?
Born on January 25th, 1759, in Alloway, Robert Burns didn’t have a privileged start in life. As a farmer’s son, he rose to become the voice of the common folk, crafting poems and songs that captured the essence of being Scottish.
Part of the Romantic movement, Burns wrote about love, nature, and the everyday struggles of life. His words could make you laugh one moment and shed a tear the next.
Burns passed away at the age of 37, but his impact endured. In fact, in 2009, he was voted the "Greatest Scot" in a public poll. Not bad for a lad from Ayrshire!
The Nitty-Gritty of a Burns Supper
In July 1801, nine of Robert Burns’ close friends gathered at his cottage in Alloway to mark the fifth anniversary of his death. They shared a meal of haggis, recited Burns’ poetry, and paid heartfelt tribute to the beloved poet.
The evening was such a success that they decided to do it again on Burns’ birthday, January 25th. And so, the tradition we celebrate today was born.
Since then, Burns Suppers have spread worldwide, honouring Bard's legacy through poetry, song, and shared meals, showcasing the enduring impact of friendship and Scottish culture.
Now, if you're planning on celebrating Burns Night properly in 2025, there are a few things you can't do without. First up, you'll need a haggis. We understand, to some it might sound like a creature from a horror film, but trust us, it's delicious. The mix of sheep's offal, oatmeal, and spices is the star of the show on Burns Night.
Of course, you can't have haggis without neeps and tatties (that's turnips and potatoes to you sassenachs). But Burns Night is a whole rigmarole of traditions to follow. First, someone has to address the haggis, reciting Burns' poem "Address to a Haggis" before dramatically stabbing the beastie and serving it up. Then there's the "Immortal Memory" toast, where someone gives a speech about Burns' life and works.
Hosting Your Own Burns Night Shindig
Fancy throwing your own Burns Supper? It's not as challenging as you might think. First things first, get your guests to dress up. Kilts for the lads, tartan sashes for the lassies. If you don't have the full Highland dress, don't fret - just a touch of tartan will do.
Decorate your place with some thistles (our national flower) and plenty of tartan. You could even have a go at making your own tartan decorations - it's amazing what you can do with some coloured paper and a bit of patience.
For entertainment, why not have a poetry reading contest? Get your guests to choose their favourite Burns poem and give it their best shot. Just make sure they've had a dram or two first - it helps loosen the tongue!
Line up a few different malts and let your guests compare notes. Just make sure you've got plenty of water on hand - we want to celebrate Burns, not end up under the table!
Make sure to have some sweets on hand too – tablet, shortbread, or even a bit of clootie dumpling will keep everyone’s energy up for all the toasts and ceilidh dancing.
Scottish Tablet and Fudge are always crowd-pleasers, offering that perfect balance of sweetness to complement the savoury haggis and neeps. Set them out on a platter, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Address to a Haggis”!
Burns Night for Kids
Now, I know what you're thinking - all this haggis talk doesn't sound very family-friendly. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to get the bairns involved in Burns Night too.
Why not have a kid-friendly poetry recitation? Burns' "To a Mouse" is always a hit with the wee ones. Or you could teach them some Scottish country dancing - nothing gets the giggles going like watching Dad attempt a Highland Fling!
For the crafty kids, why not set up a tartan-making station? All you need is some coloured paper or fabric scraps, and they can create their family tartan. And of course, no Burns Night would be complete without some storytelling. There are plenty of kid-friendly versions of Burns' life story out there.
Related: Winter Warmers: Cosy Desserts to Pair With Scottish Tablet
Mrs Tilly's Burns Night Treats
Let's not forget about the sweet stuff. And who better to turn to for some proper Scottish sweeties than our very own Mrs Tilly's? Our original fudge is just the ticket for a Burns Night celebration. And let's not forget our range of vegan fudge - perfect for dunking in your tea.
But if you really want to impress your guests, you can't go wrong with some Mrs Tilly's tablet. Our crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth sweet is as Scottish as bagpipes and midges. It's the perfect way to round off your Burns Supper.
Related: Eating Sweets And Treats While On A Diet
Burns Night Events in Auld Reekie
If you're lucky enough to be in Edinburgh for Burns Night, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to celebrations. The Queens Arms is putting on a cracking Burns Supper, complete with all the traditional trimmings.
So there you have it, folks - everything you need to know about celebrating Burns Night in 2025. Whether you're hosting your own shindig, heading out to a local event, or just raising a quiet dram at home, take a moment to remember the Bard of Ayrshire and all he gave to Scottish culture.
Browse through our online store to find your favourite sweets and add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations!
