Raise a glass in honour of Rabbie Burns

Night on January 25 is the day of the year when we remember the birthday of the Ayrshire-born Bard, Robert Burns, who had talent for penning thousands of songs and poems, not to mention an eye for the ladies. It’s tradition to attend a Burns Supper, but don’t worry if you have not booked your ticket to attend one yet, as there is still time to stage your own one, at home, in honour of our national hero. Gather your friends and family members around, don a piece of tartan, decorate your table with your chosen plaid, and look out your favourite Burns poems for pre or post-dinner recitals.

But most important of all, don’t forget to stock up on Scottish fare, and the essential ingredient of any Burns Supper, the haggis!

Will you, as host, perform the famous Address to the Haggis, and recite the famous lines Burns penned in 1787 in appreciation of the humble haggis? Perhaps you would you be more suited to A Toast to the Lassies, the Reply (to the Toast to the Lassies), or To a Mouse?

In his rhymes, Rabbie Burns often spoke of his love of whisky, so no plate of haggis (naturally teamed with its obvious accompaniments, neeps and tatties) would be complete without a wee dram of Scotch whisky on the side. Have you stocked up on our national drink? Make sure your drinks cabinet is prepared for this annual celebration by heading along to your local whisky supplier for advice on pairing the most suitable malts with one of the best meals of the year (this side of Christmas!). Oh, and don’t forget to have a rendition of Auld Lang Syne (which was first recorded on paper by Burns in 1788) before your guests depart!