Burns' Night

All over the world on this night, Scots will be celebrating the birth of one of our famous sons – Robert Burns.

ROBERT BURNS was born on 25th January 1759 in the village of Alloway, Ayrshire near Ayr on the West Coast of Scotland. He was the eldest son of a peasant farmer.

Poverty, hard work, story telling, and the Church all had a great effect on Robbie. He also had a wicked sense of humour, a great eye for detail, strong National pride, a thirst for drink and a passion for the ladies.

He was fluent in French, spoke Latin and studied philosophy, politics, geography and theology and was an accomplished mathematician.

His first work was published in July 1786 at the age of 27.

Burns died on 21st July 1796 aged 37 at Dumfries in the South of Scotland.

ADDRESS TO A HAGGIS

Burns wrote the “Address to a Haggis” honouring this noble dish. I’ve given the first two lines as the poem is six verses long!

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,

Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!

Traditionally, the Haggis is served at all Burns’ Suppers, a night of celebration (large or small) honouring the birth of Burns.

THE HAGGIS:

A dish containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, all encased in a sheep’s stomach. It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes (tatties) and turnip (neeps) and of course, a dram (a glass of whisky).

FOLKLORE

The wild haggis is a furry, four legged creature native to the Scottish Highlands, whose right legs and left legs are of differing lengths enabling it to run swiftly up steep mountains and hillsides in its natural habitat. However, as the legs on the left are longer than the legs on the right, it is only able to run in a clockwise direction.

 

*The ceremonial Haggis was purchased from Mags-nificent Miniatures   and yes, in case you’re all wondering – we will be having Haggis tonight!