Scots to celebrate Burns Night to toast national bard

Scots all over the world will raise a dram of whisky to their national poet Robert Burns on January 25 known as Burns Night.

Robert Burns was born in 1759 and died at 37 at his home in Dumfries. Despite his short life, Burns left a huge catalogue of poetry and songs that have been enjoyed and spoken aloud for over 200 years.

Burns Night marks the anniversary of Robert Burns' birth on 25 January each year. It's a very Scottish celebration of his work through an evening of haggis, whisky and poetry.

On Burns Night, everyone enjoys a hearty feast which includes haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), rounded off with drams of whisky and Burns' poetry.

Normally, the running order goes something like this:

1) To start – everyone gathers, the host says a few words, everyone sits and the Selkirk Grace is said.

2) The meal –the haggis is bagpiped in, the host performs the Address to a Haggis, everyone toasts the haggis and the main meal is served.

3) After the meal – the first Burns recital is performed, the Immortal Memory (the main tribute speech to Burns) is given, the second Burns recital is performed, then there's a Toast to the Lassies (ladies!), followed by a Reply to the Toast to the Lassies, before the final Burns recital is performed.

4) To end the night – the host gives a vote of thanks, everyone stands and sings Auld Lang Syne, crossing their arms and joining hands at the line ‘And there's a hand, my trusty fere!'.

Some of the great events that taking place this year (and every year!) in Scotland include:

Big Burns Supper, Dumfries & Galloway, 24 January – 3 February 2019

A Burns supper with a twist, the world's biggest contemporary Burns celebration runs for 11 days at the end of January in the vibrant capital of South Scotland, Dumfries. The festival takes place in bars, art galleries and museums offering music, comedy and, of course, haggis!

Burns and Beyond, Edinburgh, 22 – 27 January 2019

A brand-new festival celebrating Scottish culture from Burns to the present day. The Museum of the Moon at the iconic St Giles Cathedral on Edinburgh's Royal Mile is a definite highlight: a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram which is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound. Also featured in Burns and Beyond is Red Red Rose Street, a week of celebrations in the city centre that includes a Burns Supper, a free family Ceilidh and Burns Club comedy nights.

Royal Yacht Britannia Burns Supper, Edinburgh, 25- 26 January 2019

To get into the spirit of Burns Night, the Royal Yacht Britannia is hosting a ticketed traditional Burns supper aboard the famous ship. Guests will be welcomed aboard by Britannia's piper to experience an unforgettable Scottish evening. A delicious four-course menu will be served in the State Dining Room by Britannia's butlers. Featuring the very best Scottish ingredients, dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Mark Alston and his team in the original Royal Galleys. Traditional Scottish music will be played throughout dinner by Britannia's musicians and the Address to a Haggis will be followed by a Whisky Tasting in the State Drawing Room.

Burns an' a' that Festival - Burns Hame Toun. Alloway, South Ayrshire (various venues), throughout January 2019

Burns an' a' that is proud to celebrate 260 years since Burns was born in South Ayrshire in 2019. This year's festival includes Burns Birthday Celebrations at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the World's First Burns Supper Drive Thru and the only Burns Supper in the world to take place in Burns Cottage (where Robert Burns was born).