Burns Supper

A Guide to the Greatest Scottish Feast

The Burns Supper is an important tradition for millions of people throughout the world who regularly celebrate their Scottish Heritage. From here in Ayrshire, the heart of "Burns Country", throughout Scotland, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Canada, Japan, Australia, Russia, North to South, East to West.......this is an experience to be savoured !.

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St. Andrew's Nights, Burns Nights, Caledonian Events, Tartan Day, Highland Games, and other Social Occasions throughout the year enjoy the Fun, Fellowship, Culture, & Ceremony of this great celebration.

Background to the Burns Supper

Many would argue that there are strict guidelines and observances that must be followed to create a "true" Burns Supper. Whilst in practice this may be true for the most dedicated Burns celebrations, it may not be wholly representative of a modern society comprising those who would rightly choose to celebrate Robert Burns, their Scottish Culture & Heritage in a less formal manner.

The first recorded Burns celebration was held in July 1801 on the anniversary of his Death comprising a group of friends and acquaintances. Later the date was to change to the evening of the anniversary of his Birth (25th January) and would become " Night" with the focal point being the "" These gatherings were the origins of the Celebration of Burns as seen today. Similarly, Robert Burns would now be celebrated on St. Andrews Day, and at any other social occasion in the Calendar, for those with a link to Scottish Heritage.

Many of the long standing Burns Suppers are strictly "men only" affairs reflecting the historic nature of the celebration, and this is no doubt a proud tradition that will continue. Increasingly however, many organised Burns Suppers are "mixed company" which is helping to introduce more women to Burns and brings a greater social balance to the proceedings. (Do I hear howls of derision from the Burns purists?) The "all male" domain has been diluted so much over the years that women now play an important role in the Burns Supper, giving balance & female perspective through their toasts, recitals and song…….. not to mention the vast improvement in the visual content !.

So what is the purpose?

In simplistic terms, a is one of the most celebrated events in the Scottish cultural calendar, not just here in Scotland……but throughout the entire world. Whilst some of the component parts of a "Burns Supper" are used in other Scottish cultural celebrations, like St Andrews Day celebrations, "Tartan Day" events, Caledonian Society gatherings etc, the true Burns Supper follows a common agenda, specific to the celebration of the life, works & cultural heritage of Robert Burns. In addition, as Robert Burns has evolved over more than 200 years to become an icon of Scotland & Scottish identity, the Burns Supper is also an important celebration of Scotland itself. The main objective of a Burns Supper therefore is to celebrate the memory of Robert Burns and your Scottish heritage.

For people, who have a "hunger" to learn more, The World Burns Club gives you the answers........

• So........What is it ?
• What procedures & traditions does it follow ?
• How can I host my own ?
• What makes it authentic Burns Supper ?

Having read our articles, we hope you may be better placed to have "Your Own Burns Supper." This need not only be a large organised event, as many people host small celebrations, with a group of Good Friends, in their Own Homes. 

We hope you can now join the millions of people throughout the World in the Celebration of Burns and Scottish Heritage.

Have a Great Time!
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"Burns Supper"
(A Guide to The Greatest Scottish Feast)