Burns Suppers

have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalized haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day.

The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the haggis.

THE FORMAT FOR A BURNS SUPPER

Chairperson's opening address

A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the

The Selkirk Grace
Some hae meat but cannae eat,
Some wid eat that want it:
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit

The company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. A piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife.

It's customary for the company to applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky.
 

The company will then dine. A typical Bill o' Fare would be:

Cock-a-leekie soup
Haggis warm reeking, rich wi' Champit Tatties,
Bashed Neeps
Tyspy Laird (sherry trifle)
A Tassie o' coffee

The Immortal Memory

One of the central features of the evening. An invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today.


Toast To The Lasses

The main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in Burns' life. The tone should be witty, but never offensive, and should always end on a conciliatory note.


Response

The turn of the lasses to detail men's foibles. Again, should be humorous but not insulting.


Poem and Songs

Once the speeches are complete the evening continues with songs and poems. These should be a good variety to fully show the different moods of Burns muse.

The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the program.
(Click for words and music)

The above information "gleaned" from:
THE BARD: The complete guide to the immortal memory of Scotland's most famous poet.

Background  : Pauline Designed It!