Planning a Burns Night

A Burns Supper may be just an informal gathering of friends, or a grand and glittering event.  Regardless of scale, if tradition is to be followed, there is a well worked pathway through the evening, including the following elements.  If, however, you wish to steer a less conventional course, you may find our alternative ideas inspire you to be a bit more creative. 

Opening Address

The host offers a few welcoming words to launch the proceedings, then invites the guests to start the supper with The Selkirk Grace. 

Address to the Haggis

A piper leads in the chef, who carries the haggis to the top table.  The host or invited guest then recites Burns’ Address to a Haggis and, at the line, “an’ cut you up wi' ready slight”, the haggis is pierced with a sharp knife.  The address is normally accompanied with loud applause, after which all present stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky. 

The Immortal Memory

A central feature of the evening, The Immortal Memory is a short and lively speech about Burns, delivered by an invited guest. The opportunity to deliver this is deemed a great honour and well worth the time and effort required.  The tone is normally akin to a best man’s speech, highlighting the groom’s good character in an entertaining and affectionate way, outlining the enduring relevance of Burns and making reference to his poems or songs. The whole performance ends on an up-beat note with a toast: “To the immortal memory of Robert Burns!” 

Toast to the Lassies

This is a light-hearted address to the women in the audience, albeit one that is respectful and humorous.  This culminates with the toast: “To the Lassies!”. 

Response to the Toast to the Lassies

The lassies then get a chance to respond with wit, charm and relevant quotations from Burns’ life and works.

Songs and Poems

The evening is interspersed with songs and poems, culminating in a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.