Burns Supper – 25 January

Robert Burns (1759-1796), also known as Rabbie Burns is the reason for the celebration of Burns Night on his birthday, January 25th ( It’s an evening of celebration in honor of this famous Scottish writer and poet which includes the piping in of the haggis, poetry readings, whisky drinking and a Scottish supper (dinner).

$000 Price includes:

Bagpiper, poetry reading, a dram of whisky and a 3 course traditional Burns Night supper.

Entree:

Cullen Skink – traditional soup originates from the Scottish town of Cullen and combines haddock, potatoes, milk, onion and parsley to make a comforting, yet relatively light, starter. Or,

Cock-a-leekie Soup – traditional Scottish soup made with chicken, barley and leeks.

After the entree the Haggis is carried in on a tray following a piper who “pipes in the haggis”. The Address to a Haggis is recited, which includes cutting into the haggis with a theatrical air, and everyone gives a Whisky toast to the haggis.

Main:

Haggis, Neeps & Tatties – Haggis (from local gourmet butcher + housemade vegan option available) is served alongside its traditional side dishes ‘neeps and tatties’, otherwise known as mashed potatoes and swede. With a creamy whisky gravy.

Dessert:

Cranachan –  a lovely traditional Scottish dessert with oats, raspberries, cream and whisky. Or,

Cootie Dumpling – a Scottish dessert traditionally made of dried fruit, spices, oatmeal or breadcrumbs, flour, and beef suet. It’s boiled in a cloth, called a “cloot”, hence the name. Serve warm with warm custard.

What to wear to on Burns Night:

If you have never been to a Burns Night gathering before, bear in mind that it is about dressing up and celebrating Scotland. Traditional Scottish attire is ideal at any Burns Night celebration – it is one of the events where people get the opportunity to express their Scottish identity through the wearing of a Clan or family tartan.

If you don’t have connections to any of the major Scottish Clans or families, don’t worry, you can wear one of the universal tartans, such as the Royal Stewart, Black Watch, Flower of Scotland, Patriot or Caledonia; these designs can be worn and enjoyed by anyone.

Formal wear is customary (but not essential) at most Burns Nights. Men, for example, are often encouraged to wear their full kilt outfit. If you don’t own a kilt, you can still look the part with a classic tartan cummerbund set or tartan waistcoat; even a simple tie will add the required touch of tartan. A set of fine Scottish silver cufflinks will add the perfect finishing touch to your Burns night attire.

Women can also join in the celebrations by wearing the traditional clothing associated with Burns Night. There are all sorts of examples of tartan wear available for ladies, ranging from tartan sashes and brooches to scarves and shawls. Those who really want to make an impression and celebrate their Scottish heritage may even choose to wear serapes and stoles, which are a classy addition to any evening outfit. Not to be outdone by the men, women can also wear traditional kilted tartan skirts to celebrate Burns Night in style.

Don’t have any traditional Scottish outfits? That is OK!

We recommend you dress semi-formal to formal and include some tartan in your outfit! You could wear a tartan scarf, tie, braces, cufflinks, skirt, sash, pin or anything at all.  Check out our onsite and online shop to add something to your outfit. 

Where to buy traditional Scottish wear online or in-store in Australia:

HOME | Scottish Shop | Australia Kilt Hire Buy (Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

House of Scotland (Shopfront only, 309 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103)

Scottish Accessories Shoppe (Croydon, Sydney)

Home – Scottish Retail (Queensland – online only)

St Kilda Retail (Booval, Queensland)

Home | Scott Ferguson Formalwear – Suit Hire and Suit Sales Adelaide (Adelaide SA)