Burns Suppers Speakers
Burns Night, celebrated each year on the 25th of January, honours the life and legacy of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns. Marked with poetry, music, traditional food, and lively conversation, a Burns Supper brings people together in the spirit of Scottish culture and community. At the heart of the evening are the speeches and recitations, from the famous “Address to a Haggis” to toasts that capture Burns’ wit and wisdom. Many organisations and private hosts choose to hire speakers for Burns Night, ensuring the occasion is both entertaining and meaningful, while keeping the traditions of this much-loved celebration alive.
What is Burns Night & When is it Celebrated?
Burns Night celebrates the life and work of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The evening honours his contribution to Scottish culture, poetry and song, and is celebrated in Scotland and around the world.
Burns Night is celebrated every year on 25 January, the birthday of Robert Burns, who was born in 1759.
Source: Scotland.org
What is a Burns Supper?
A Burns Supper is a traditional Scottish celebration held in honour of the poet Robert Burns, usually on or around 25 January. The first Burns Supper took place in 1801 at Burns Cottage in Alloway, organised by friends to mark the anniversary of his death. Today, Burns Suppers follow a similar format, with traditional Scottish food such as haggis, neeps and tatties, often followed by Scottish dishes like salmon or steak pie and a traditional dessert such as cranachan. The evening also includes whisky, poetry recitals, speeches and toasts, especially the Immortal Memory, celebrating the life, work and legacy of Robert Burns.
Source: National Trust for Scotland
How is a Burns Supper Ran & Which Speakers/Hosts are Required?
A Burns Night Supper is a traditional Scottish evening celebrating the life and work of Robert Burns, and it follows a structured programme led by hosts, speakers and entertainers. The evening is usually run by a Chair, who acts as host and keeps the event running smoothly, welcoming guests and introducing each part of the programme. Many events begin with a piper to welcome guests and pipe in the haggis, followed by the Selkirk Grace before the meal.
Key speaking roles include the Address to the Haggis speaker, the Immortal Memory speaker who delivers the main speech about Robert Burns, the Toast to the Lassies speaker, and the Reply to the Lassies speaker. Entertainers are also important and often include singers, musicians or poetry readers performing Burns’ songs and poems. The evening typically ends with thanks from the Chair and everyone singing Auld Lang Syne together.
Source: BBC