Dram ‘n blast
Nigel Thompson on how to log on and celebrate a Burns Night like no other
Haggis, tam o’ shanters and whisky galore in an online night of celebration
Haggis, neeps and tatties and whisky will be at the ready in Scotland and beyond for a dram good Burns Night tomorrow... virtually, of course.
The pandemic means the traditional events for the country’s national bard must move online with a host of Robert Burns celebrations and suppers via the likes of Zoom, websites and webcams.
Dumfries’ famous Big Burns Supper – with comedy, music and entertainment – is going digital for the first time; as well as haggis producer Macsween of Edinburgh’s plans for the largest virtual Burns Supper.
Here’s our pick of the Burns Night virtual events tomorrow...
Big Burns Supper, 7pm
Marking the festival’s 10th anniversary, Janey Godley’s Big Burns Supper dishes up a very special broadcast.
It connects Scotland to the world, with contributions from local, national and international artists to help celebrate Burns Night in a way that helps give everyone a much-needed lift and a laugh.
Broadcast across Big Burns Supper’s Facebook and YouTube channels, the 75-minute show welcomes back artists including KT Tunstall, Dougie MacLean,
Donovan, Tide Lines and Skerryvore who have performed at the festival over the last 10 years.
Scots comic Janey Godley will host from her own living room as she prepares a Burns supper while introducing guests and festival friends throughout the evening.
Le Haggis will also be making an appearance providing burlesque, comedy and mayhem.
Free at bigburnssupper.com
Macsween Burns Supper, 7pm
Haggis brand Macsween is hoping to bring the largest virtual Burns Supper to homes across the globe.
Teaming up with Scottish comedy actor Karen Dunbar is Dr Rachel Barrie, master blender for Benriach distillery and described as The First Lady of Scotch Whisky.
Free at facebook.com/ MacsweenHaggis
Burns Night whisky tastings with Once upon a Whisky and the Glasgow Distillery Company, 7-8.30pm (also January 28)
Try five premium home delivered whiskies from The Glasgow Distillery Company and discover all the secrets behind the first whisky distillery in Glasgow in more than 100 years.
Tickets are £35 (only available for UK and EU residents) at onceupon awhisky.co.uk
Burns Night Ceilidh with the Nest Collective, 8-9.30pm
Unleash your inner Dashing White Sergeant with a live ceilidh from the Nest Collective on YouTube.
Join in for a night of tartan and tam o’ shanters, with whisky flowing and floorboards shaking.
Host Sam Lee will guide viewers through the evening. Dance along at home to a live band (with Covid-safe demonstration dancers), listen to contributions from special guest musicians and enjoy the Burns ceremony itself.
Free at thenestcollective.co.uk
MORE INFO
Find out more about Rabbie Burns, his life, legacy, and exploring his story in Scotland when it is safe to travel at visitscotland.com/burns