Robert Burns
(1759 - 1796)
The National Poet of Scotland, the Poet of All Humanity, widely regarded as one of the world's greatest poets with a universal appeal to all times. He was born on 25th January 1759 and he died in Dumfries just 37 years later. "Don't be affraid: I'll be more respected a hundred years after I am dead than I am at present" were his prophetic words when the end was near.

Nearly two hundred and five years later, his work, his humanity, his Immortal Memory lives on.

Famous Words of Robert Burns
“Wee, Sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beafie”
“Scots, Wha Hae Wi Wallace Bled”
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot”
“I my Luve's like a red, red rose”

The Burns Supper
Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalised 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
Chairperson's opening address:

• A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace.
• 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 concilliatory 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. Favourites for recitations are Tam O' Shanter, Address to the Unco Guid, To A Mouse and Holy Willie's Prayer.

Ending
The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme.