How to celebrate Burns Night at home
21 January 2021
Image credit: VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
“Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies:
But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer,
Gie her a Haggis”
Burns Night is almost upon us and although we cannot celebrate the bard in the usual fashion, here are some ways to celebrate Burns Night at home.
Firstly, what is Burns Night?
Well on the 25 January every year we Scots celebrate the life of Robert Burns, one of Scottish’s post accomplished and renowned poets. Robert Burns also knowns as Rabie Burns or the Bard was born on 25 January 1759 and died on 21 July 1796, at only 37 years young. However during that short time he definitely made his mark and over 200 years later the tradition lives on.
What does the tradition include?
Usually Burns Night includes recitals of the Bard’s work and tributes, a hearty feast including haggis, neeps and tatties and a few drams of whisky (and Aberdeenshire’s got more than enough local whisky distilleries for you to choose from). Sounds easy right? Well here’s some suggestions to make it even easier for you.
BURNS SUPPER AT HOME
210 Bistro
Fancy a five-course Burns Night supper then check out 210 Bistro’s take away menu featuring a Crab and Arbroath Smokie Bonbon, Lamb Loin and haggis bonbons and a dark chocolate and whisky fondants. 210 Bistro is offering two variations to the menu, the standard menu or the drinks package which includes a specially selected drinks pairing to complement each course. There is also a vegetarian Burns Supper menu too.
Price: £37 per person or £57 per person if selecting drinks package.
Aberdeenshire Larder
If a hearty five-course meal is too much for you,(no judgement we all have days when our eyes our bigger than our bellies) then Aberdeenshire Larder’s bite-size steak and haggis pies are perfect for you. Check out Aberdeenshire Larder’s Burns Collection here.
Cocoa Ooze
Burns Night just got even sweeter! Indulge in chocolate heaven with Cocoa Ooze. The chocolatier is selling a Burns Night chocolate collection including dark chocolate haggis truffles and cranachan white chocolate truffles.
Price: £6
Walter Gregor’s Tonic
To wash your Burns Supper down why not try this brand-new creation, Walter Gregor’s Scottish Neep Tonic Water. The neep infused tonic water is a great alternative to the traditional whisky offering.
Price: £35 for 24 bottles
VIRTUAL BURNS NIGHT EVENTS
Extraordinary Burns Supper
On 25 January, the University of Aberdeen is throwing a virtual celebration of Robert Burns and its packed with special guests including the Chancellor of the University, HRH The Duchess of Rothesay. As well as University of Aberdeen alumni Game of Thrones star Iain Glen and Call the Midwife star Laura Main and that’s only the beginning. The evening will also feature music from The University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir conducted by Professor Paul Mealor.
Price: Free but donations welcome.
Click here to reserve your tickets.
Big Burns Night In
Streaming live from Rabbie Burns’ birthplace in Alloway the National Trust for Scotland is hosting the Big Burns Night In! Hosted by TV and Radio broadcaster, Edith Bowman the event features music from Talisk and Alistair McCulloch as well as speakers Professor Gerry Carruthers and Chris Waddle.
Price: £18
And for a bit of fun check out Mr Haggis the hay bale near Tarland.
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All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.