Burns Supper

Last Monday, in celebration of the 250th birthday of Robert "Rabbie" Burns, Kellie and I attended a Burns Supper held at New College. What is a Burns Supper, you may ask? Well, it is hard to capture in words, but it is in essence an evening of song, poetry, speeches, and (of course) haggis, celebrating the life and work of Scotland's famous poet, Robert Burns. It is, perhaps, the quintessential Scottish experience, and certainly one of the most fun (and informative) evenings we have had here in Edinburgh.

I took a video of the proceedings, but allow me to explain some of what is going on. The whole experience begins with the procession of the haggis (you'll hear bagpipe music). After the haggis is brought out, an ode is recited in honor of the haggis (written, of course, by Robert Burns). The guests drink a whiskey toast to the haggis, and then eat it (along with neeps (i.e. mashed turnips) and tatties (i.e. mashed potatoes). After supper, there are is music, usually songs written by Burns, and speeches honoring his memory, culminating in a toast to the lassies (i.e. the ladies). If, by some chance, there is a Scottish society where you live and you have an opportunity to attend a Burns supper, I would highly recommend it. So, without further ado, enjoy: