This week it's Burns Night, and people across the country will be enjoying a 'wee dram' of whisky while tucking into neeps, tatties and haggis.

The origins of the event go back to the Scottish bard Robert Burns. However, the celebrations aren't all just about enjoying traditional Scottish cuisine - although some of it is. . .

Read about the history of Burns Night, and what to eat and drink for your celebrations.

What is Burns Night?

Burns Night celebrates all things to do with the Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns - it is held on January 25 every year.

Many people mark the evening with a Burns Supper, where a feast of Scottish food is served and renditions of Auld Lang Syne are sung.

Cranachan - a dessert made using a mixture of whipped cream, whisky, honey, fresh raspberries and toasted oatmeal - is served after the main course. Alternatively people have Tipsy Laird - which is a whisky trifle.

Scotch whisky is the ideal accompaniment to the meal.

Who was Robert Burns?

Robert Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.

He is often referred to as Rabbie Burns or the Bard of Ayrshire.

Burns is known for writing his poetry in 'Scots' - one of three native language spoken in Scotland, the others being English and Gaelic.

He was considered to be a pioneer of the 'Romantic movement' and after his death he became a cultural icon.

It is widely believed Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne but he didn't actually compose the song himself. In 1788 he sent the poem to the Scots Musical Museum and told them it was an ancient song which had never been written down before and had only been passed on by word of mouth.

He is said to have recorded the words on a piece of paper after an old man dictated it to him.

When and why did Burns Night begin?

The annual events began shortly after the poet's death in July, 1796 when his friends celebrated his life and career.

The date of the celebrations was later moved to his birthday January 25, 1759 and this is now the day people everywhere celebrate the life and works of Scotland's national poet.

Download the Telegraph app


Looking for an older story? Search our archives
