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Robert Burns lived from the 25th January 1759
until 21 July 1796, he is well known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite
son. The Bard of Ayrshire, Scottish poet and a lyricist.
Robert Burns is widely regarded as
the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated Worldwide.
Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish
culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved
bard. When Burns immortalised haggis in verse he created a central link
that is maintained to this day.
The ritual was started by close friends
of Burns a few years after his death in 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.
The Format for a Burns supper
Chairpersons opening address...
A few welcoming words start the evening
and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace.
Selkirk Grace
Some hae meat and cannot eat,
Some cannot eat that want it
But we hae meat and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thankit
The company
are asked to stand to receive the haggis. PiperMckay / A Scottish Piper then leads
the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany
them with a slow hand clap.
The chairman or the invited guest then recites Robert Burns famous poem
> To A Haggis with great enthusiasm!
Click to read > To A
Haggis
When the reader reaches the line "an cut you up wi' ready
slight", they cut 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 is an eye opener event for those new to these evenings.
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