How do Scots celebrate Robert Burns Life?

Burns Suppers take place annually, usually on the anniversary of Robert Burns' birthday, 25 January (known as Burns Night), or a date near to it.

The format of a Burns Supper will vary according to whether it is a formal or informal affair. However, certain elements will usually be found in any Burns Supper.

Before the meal, grace is said. This is usually the Selkirk Grace, attributed to Burns although not actually written by him. It is in the Scots language:

"Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit."

The soup is then served. This is usually Scotch broth, cock-a-leekie, or other Scottish soup.

Next comes the piping in of the haggis. The cook brings out the haggis on a platter, and is accompanied by a piper playing the Bagpipes. They make their way to the host's table and deposit the haggis.

The host then recites "Address to a Haggis" -- eight verses in Scots. As part of the Address, he thrusts a knife into the haggis.

There may follow a whisky toast to the haggis, otherwise the meal commences. The haggis is served with "bashed neeps and tatties", i.e. mashed turnip and potato. Pudding follows -- again, usually a traditional Scots dish, and there might be cheese and biscuits to follow.

The meal done, the entertainment starts -- recitations of Burns' poems and renditions of his songs.

The evening will end with the guests standing, joining hands and singing "Auld Lang Syne".