Burns Suppers have been a part of Scottish culture for over 200 years as a means of commemorating Scotland’s best loved poet, Robbie Burns. Celebrations generally begin on or around the date of the poets birthday (January 25th) and last right through to the first few weeks of February. Most Burn’s Suppers adhere more or less to a time honoured format which includes the eating of a traditional Scottish meal, the drinking of Scotch whiskey, and the recitation of works by Robert Burns.
Robert Burns
The Role Of The Piper
The pipers role at a Burns Supper generally involves:
- Piping in guests as they arrive
- Pipe in and out the haggis
- Pipe during dinner or after
The piper will generally play traditional Scottish music including airs, marches, strathspeys, jigs and reels.
Burns night traditionally ends with all guests singing Scotland’s most famous folk song, Auld Lang Syne. Occasionally pipers are asked to stay until the end of the evening so that they can play the tune for everyone to sing along to.