How to celebrate Burns Night 2019 across Scotland
Raise a glass to the Bard this January and celebrate Burns Night in style. Whether you fancy a traditional Burns Supper or something a little more contemporary, here are a few of the best ways to celebrate across Scotland this week.
Big Burns Supper
Taking over Dumfries for 11 days, the Big Burns Supper is a raucous festival Rabbie himself would be proud of. A loud, exciting and eclectic programme of music, comedy, dance, film, magic and storytelling will celebrate the work and spirit of Scotland’s favourite poet. Don’t miss KT Tunstall performing at Burns Night Live on January 25.
January 24 - February 3, various venues in Dumfries - bigburnssupper.com
Dinner at Otro
For a modern take on haggis, neeps and tatties, head to Otro Restaurant in Edinburgh’s West End. On Burns Night you can enjoy their special haggis starter - delicious Cockburn haggis topped with a fried egg, served with truffle granola, truffle custard and pickled turnip - accompanied by a complimentary dram of whisky. The restaurant will also be whipping up a cranachan for dessert so you can finish the evening with something sweet.
January 25, Otro, 22 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7AF - otrorestaurant.co.uk
Soul Food Kitchen’s Vegan Burns Night Ceilidh
Just because you’re taking part in Veganuary (or if you’re a full-time vegan), doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the Burns Night fun. Soul Food Kitchen are hosting a vegan version of a traditional Burns Night ceilidh in Glasgow. Expect lots of tasty local plant-based fayre, and an energetic evening of dancing, drinking and celebrating in true Scottish style.
January 25, 6.30pm, Argyll Hotel, Glasgow, G3 7TQ
Cocktails at The Ivy on the Square
If you aren’t going for a full Burns Supper this year but still fancy doing something to celebrate, head to stylish brasserie The Ivy on the Square for cocktails and nibbles. The Tim’rous Beastie cocktail is a warming mix of Naked Grouse whisky, ginger liqueur, cranberry juice and grenadine, and it pairs perfectly with the Lathallan haggis balls and malt whisky and wholegrain mustard mayonnaise. Both specials are available all day on January 25 only, so don’t miss out.
January 25, The Ivy on the Square, 6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2BD - theivyedinburgh.com
Rock Rose Gin Tasting
Don’t worry if whisky isn’t your thing. Toast to the Bard with Scotland’s other national drink (no, not Irn Bru) - gin! Aberdeen’s stylish new Grape & Grain wine and spirits bar is hosting a special Burns Night gin tasting with Rock Rose Gin so you can sample some of the best Scottish gin on offer.
January 25, 6pm, Grape & Grain, 31 Thistle Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1UY - grapeandgrain.wine
Burns Night at Glamis Castle
When it comes to celebrating one of Scotland’s most famous historical figures, you can’t really get a better setting than an atmospheric castle. For a Burns Night to remember, head to Glamis Castle for their black tie tribute to Rabbie Burns. Guests will be welcomed by a piper, before being treated to a three course meal (and a few drams, of course) along with the traditional Address to a Haggis and a recital of Tam o’ Shanter.
January 25, 7pm, Glamis Castle, Angus, DD8 1RJ - glamis-castle.co.uk
Burns and Beyond
If you’re looking for something to do on Burns Night in Edinburgh, check out brand new festival Burns and Beyond. Celebrating Scottish culture all the way from Burn up to the present day, the festival brings together a variety of exhibitions, shows and events across six days. Make sure you visit the Museum of the Moon installation in St Giles Cathedral.
January 22-27, various venues in Edinburgh - burnsandbeyond.com
Brewdog, Bhuna and Burns
Forget tradition and celebrate Burns Night in a rather more contemporary way with Aberdeenshire restaurant Eat on the Green. This spicy twist on a Burns Supper will include four delicious courses, paired with a flight of Brewdog craft beers.