Over the years, the celebrations for Robbie Burns has grown. All over the world, the 25th January is celebrated in style as a tribute to “The Immortal Baird”. It is only fitting that this evening of celebration should include a piper as Burns wrote several tunes that have been adapted for the bagpipes.
Whilst the 25th January is the most often used date to hold a formal dinner, Burns night is often celebrated anytime during January and February in Scotland. Opting to have a dinner party on a different date increases the chance of Jenn being available. Contact Jenn to discuss availability and requirements. Early booking is advisable.
One possible format for the evening
At the start of the evening the piper plays as the guests arrive or alternatively, plays to call the guests into dinner after cocktails.
The top table may be piped in after all the other guests are in place.
The Selkirk Grace is now recited and this sets the tone for the rest of the evening.
The piper strikes up and plays in the haggis to the tune “A man’s a man for a’ that”, followed by the toast master and head chef.
The famous Address to the Haggis is recited. If you don’t have a toast master, Jenn performs a very entertaining “Address to a Haggis!”
A dram for the piper and chef
After the address, a dram is handed to the piper, the chef and the toast master. Then and along with the rest of the gathering, the haggis is toasted in style.
Before departing a lovely way to end the evening is to have “Auld Lang Syne” (written by Burns) along with the sound of many voices singing this very moving song.
