The History of Burns Suppers

How did we come to celebrate the life of Scotland's national poet in such a way and why is haggis such a central feature of the evening?

The first suppers were convened by close friends of Burns as a tribute to his life and work, starting a few years after his death in 1796.  Those present read a selection of Burns' works and talked about the impact that their friend and his writing had on their lives.  This commemoration developed into what we now know as The Immortal Memory, a formal tribute to Burns that gives those present the opportunity to hear some of Burns’ work quoted in a meaningful context.

Other Burns rituals have developed over the years, including The Toast to The Lassies (from the men present) and the women's Response to The Toast to The Lassies.  Both evolved from banter around the table at the early gatherings.

As well as Burns' life and work, the supper venerates, and is a medium for, consuming large quantities of haggis.  Although not an exclusively Scottish product, the haggis is the centrepiece of the supper thanks to Burns’ now world famous poem, To a Haggis.  Indeed, it this prominence within the supper has largely elevated haggis to the position of Scotland's national dish.

The hearty, mock-heroic To a Haggis was crafted in 1786 during Burns' first visit to Edinburgh.  Written in broad Scots and well-suited to being declaimed in a loud, patriotic voice, the poem would have contrasted with the more genteel poetry in vogue at the time.

The enduring popularity of To a Haggis, and the key role it plays in the global Burns Supper phenomenon, has secured the role of haggis as a Scottish icon.