Burns Night ~ Burns Suppers

January 25th is the date when Scots and Burn's followers the world over, celebrate the life of the immortal 18th century bard and poet, Robbie Burns, with a rowdy celebration called 'Burns Night'.

A Burns Night celebration can be held any time from late January through the middle of February - and at any time of the day. Indeed, recently Burns lunches have become increasingly popular, particularly at corporate events. A piper certainly a 'must have' requirement at a Burns Night. Be sure to ask us about availability and book your piper early to avoid any disappointment.

No proper Burns Supper could be considered complete without a traditional Piper to 'pipe in' the haggis. It matters little whether you are in Australia, South Africa, Canada or Russia - a piper is essential for such a traditional Scottish event.

It's the Piper who leads the procession of the haggis into the room where everyone is seated. The guests will rise and clap as the haggis makes it's grand entrance. According to the writings of Burns, the haggis was brought in on a tray once carried by landlady, Poosie Nancy. She owned a pub Robert Burns frequented in Mauchline, Ayrshire - a favourite hostellry for waifs, strays and beggars.

The haggis is then set on a table where the 'Address to the Haggis' will take place. The poem, “To a Haggis” is read out by a nominated orator or the master of ceremonies.

"Address to the Haggis"

It is traditional to offer a whisky to the reciter, the piper and 'nancy'. A part of this tradition is that the piper downs his whisky in a single gulp as all eyes watch his glass. This scene is the most important scene of the evening and is reminiscent of all Burns Suppers. The audience soaks up the atmosphere. The piper then leads the procession back the way they came, out of the hall. Now dinner is served for one and all.

Burns Night ends traditionally with the song “Auld Lang Syne.” This is one of the great folk songs of Scotland, and everyone in the room is encouraged to join in. Frequently, guests will get up and group in a big circle in the middle of the dance floor. During this emotional moment, you can bring in the piper and have him start the song - then stop so the group can begin to sing. Or you can have the Piper play the final verse of Auld Lang Syne - it's entirely up to you. This makes for a dramatic ending to the night for all your guests. One they’ll certainly remember the next day when they awake to their “sare heids” in the morning.

'Tale of Tam o' Shanter'

The piper's duties centre around the haggis:

• Beginning of the evening – pipe during the arrival of the guests and in for dinner
• Main event of the evening – pipe the haggis in, and out
• You may also request the piper to stay and play some lilting Scottish airs during dinner.
  

Traditional Scottish music:

The music should be Scottish, ending with “Auld Lang Syne”, written by Robbie Burns himself.  This song should be done in a rip-roaring, hand-holding sing-a-long style - led by the piper.

For more formal Burns Nights, you may want to consider using a Master of Ceremonies to ensure the smooth running of the proceedings. This may be a confident guy amongst the guests or maybe the chief executive in a company-sponsored Burns Night. You could also hire a professional speaker if you so prefer. 

Master of Ceremonies role:

• To introduce the Piper to the crowd
• To salute the Piper and the Chef during the Haggis Ceremony.
• To 'address the haggis' - if required.
• To announce the Piper’s exit and run the rest of the evening’s festivities.
  

The Master of Ceremonies will also begin the Robbie Burns poetry reading after the haggis ceremony. If your event is informal, the book of poetry just gets handed around, letting everyone give a try at reading a poem. At an even more casual Burn's event, you won’t see an MC, you won’t read poetry… you just enjoy the Piper and the dinner!

Usually we provide a solo piper for Burns Suppers. In the event that additional performers are required, we can do that too. We can provide more pipers, drummers, a ceilidh band - and after dinner speakers, if required.

On request we can perform the 'Address to the Haggis' and any other speeches that may need to be given, including the 'Toast of the Lassies' and the 'Immortal Memory'. Please let us know well in advance what your needs are.

Here are our Burn's Night options:

Traditional Pipers: 

• Solo
• Duet
• Trio
• Quartet
  
  

Other Available Performers: 

• Highland Dancers
• Irish Dancers 
• Folk Group
• Ceilidh Band
• After-Dinner Speakers
  
  

Traditional Pipe Band: 

• Mini Pipe Band—six pipers and three drummers
• Full Pipe Band—twelve pipers and seven drummers
• Massed Pipe Band—two or more Full Pipe Bands
  
  

Here are your Playing Options:



Standard Package: 

• As Guests Arrive
• Pipe in Top Table 
• Pipe in Haggis 
• Address to the Haggis - if required 
• Pipe out Haggis
  
  

Additional Playing Options: 

• Piping at end of meal or during interval
• Entertainment with Dancers