Scotland comes together every January 25th to celebrate our National Bard Robert Burns.
The Burns Night supper is a staple of Scottish culture and is full of traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Burns was born January 1759 in Alloway, and was merely 37 years old when he died in Dumfries in July 1796. During his short life, he became Scotland’s most famous son, his poetry and music warming the hearts and souls of people all over the world for hundreds of years.
Burns Night falls on a Sunday this year, so wherever you are, sit with friends and family to tell stories, recite poetry and celebrate.
Here are 10 Scottish traditions for Burns Night.
1. The Selkirk Grace
The Selkirk Grace is a quick, beautiful, and to-the-point grace that is said before a Burns supper, though is often used at any meal time across Scotland. It was attributed to Robert Burns after he recited it at a dinner party held by the Earl of Selkirk in 1794, which is where it gets its name. However, it existed before this moment, and previously was known as the Galloway Grace or the Covenanters’ Grace. | NW
2. Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
Scotland's National dish and it's a proper tasty one. Haggis served with mashed turnips and mashed potatoes - and often served with a decent whisky sauce. Traditionally eaten on Burns Night, or St Andrews night - but easily available battered at any local chippy, or found in every Scottish supermarket to be enjoyed through out the year. | Getty Images
3. Ceilidh
Often a winter meeting to enjoy those long, dark, winter nights, and definitely a Burns Night staple - a ceilidh is a social event where people dance traditional Scottish dances. Lively, noisy and energetic, ceilidh's are a must for anyone new to Scotland or visiting. | Getty Images
4. Address the Haggis
Written in 1786, Burns poem Address to a Haggis is a necessity for the complete Burns Night experience. "Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!" Its fun and joyful, and should be recited as the haggis is placed on the table, but before the Selkirk Grace. | AFP via Getty Images