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.

The company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. The Piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line "an cut you up wi' ready slight", he cuts 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.