Burns Night: Nail the Scottish traditions and etiquette with our expert guide

Burns Night, held on January 25, is the perfect chance tae raise a dram tae Scotland’s national poet, wi’ haggis, verse, and a splash o’ tartan.

Every year, Scotland comes alive to toast the immortal memory of Rabbie Burns in a celebration that’s as heartfelt as it is hearty.

Burns Night began in 1801 when a group of Robert Burns’ friends gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of his death. The celebration has since grown into a global affair, paying homage to the ‘Ploughman Poet’ who captured Scotland’s heart with his romantic verse and sharp wit.

Today, Burns Night blends food, drink, music and poetry into a celebration of Scottish culture.

Central to the evening is the ‘Address to a Haggis’, one of Burns’ most famous poems. As guests gather, a steaming plate of haggis is carried into the room to the sound of bagpipes. Someone then performs the dramatic reading of the poem, complete with theatrical flourishes and a ceremonial slicing of the haggis.

The night also includes recitals of Burns’ other works, toasts and plenty of whisky.

No Burns Night is complete without a traditional Scottish feast. The centrepiece is haggis, often served with neeps (swede) and tatties (mashed potatoes). Vegetarian haggis is also widely available for non-meat eaters.

Simon Howie, owner of Simon Howie, Scotland’s much-loved haggis brand comments: “Haggis is as versatile to cook as it is to eat. While traditionalists will boil their haggis for 45 minutes until plump and shining and serve with homemade mashed neeps and tatties, there are as many out there that will cut open the casing and bung their haggis in the microwave for five minutes. In no time at all a microwave can deliver haggis, neeps and tatties for Burns Night or haggis ready to be added to pizza, stirred through pasta or loaded on fries.”

Irn-Bru, Scotland’s iconic soda, is another fun addition for non-drinkers or anyone looking for an authentic touch. In fact, research commissioned by Scotland’s national drink Irn-Bru shows more than two-fifths of Gen Z in the UK have never tried haggis, while sushi came up as Brit’s favourite meal. So if you fancy something more unusual this year, Yo Sushi restaurants across the UK will be serving up haggis and prosciutto sushi rolls, Teriyaki haggis nigiri and haggis Katsu curry – each perfectly paired with an ice-cold Irn-Bru.

Round off your meal with buttery shortbread, Scottish tablet fudge, or the creamy dessert Cranachan. As for drinks, whisky reigns supreme, whether you opt for a single malt or a carefully crafted cocktail.

Don’t forget: Before you eat, it’s customary to read aloud the ‘Selkirk Grace’, a short prayer attributed to Robert Burns.

Burns Night is as much about fun as it is about tradition. Dressing up is part of the appeal. After the meal, guests can gather to read poems, share songs or toast with their favourite whisky.

For a lively evening, head to a ceilidh; a traditional Scottish dance party. Many Scottish societies in London host these events for Burns Night, complete with live music, dance instruction and even bagpipes. Check out venues like Ceilidh Club London or the London Scottish House if you fancy a fling like the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant or even a Strip the Willow.

To fully embrace the Burns Night spirit, dress the part. Tartan kilts are a classic choice for men, paired with sporrans, jackets, and kilt pins.

Women can opt for tartan sashes, scarves or skirts for a modern twist. If you’re feeling bold, a full Highland dress outfit will make you stand out at any ceilidh.

As a born-and-bred Glaswegian, Burns Night has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. From mastering ceilidh dancing as a wean to wild nights fuelled by whisky and Irn-Bru, I’ve lived and breathed the magic of Scotland’s most beloved celebration.

Over the years, I’ve savoured my way through the finest haggis, neeps and tatties, demolished the best buttery shortbread, and learned what truly makes a Burns Night feast unforgettable (or forgettable depending on how much whisky was consumed). So, after a recent visit back to the motherland, I brought a taste of home with me and introduced the tradition to the ES Best office.

We went all out; tattie scones, buttery bakes and even a dram or two. After a lively night of tasting and testing, the ES Best Shopping team has put together this guide to help you plan a Burns Night that’s as authentic as it gets. Sláinte!