Discover some of the Burns Night events taking place in Edinburgh in January 2024.
In celebration of the birthday of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, 25 January has become synonymous with all the things Burns loved about Scotland – good food, good company, good poetry and a wee dram of whisky.
Take a look at how you can join in the celebrations in Edinburgh this year.
Tip 1: Tickets for several of these events are limited. Book in advance online.
Tip 2: Many places offer a vegetarian menu – ask when booking.
Tip 3: Discover more about Burns, his work and his legacy on VisitScotland’s website
Why do we celebrate Burns Night?
The first Burns supper was held in July 1801 when nine of Burns’ close friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Taking place at Burns Cottage in Alloway, the night included a meal of haggis, performances of Burns’ work and a speech in honour of the great Bard.
The night was such a resounding success that they decided to form a society and repeat the event six months later, on his birthday, thus beginning the tradition we still enjoy to this day.
What happens at a Burns Supper?
No two Burns Suppers are the same, but one thing that unites them all is the haggis. It is brought into the main table, accompanied by the skirl of bagpipes and much applause from the hungry party-goers. A hush will fill the room as the haggis is placed on the table, and the host recites the famous Burns poem, Address to a Haggis, before plunging a knife into the haggis to rapturous applause.
After the meal, the speech first given back in 1801, The Immortal Memory, is given in tribute to the famous Bard, followed by one of Burn’s poems. Then there’s a Toast to the Lassies, followed by a Reply to the Toast to the Lassies, before the final Burns recital is performed.
Burns celebrations in Edinburgh
In his heyday Burns was the darling of Edinburgh society and was treated like a celebrity when he visited the city in November 1786. He wrote many works here and referred to it as “Scotia’s darling seat!” in his Address to Edinburgh. It’s only right then that there is a variety of Burns celebrations taking place across the capital.
If you’re looking for some good fun with some excellent food and drink, why not book your place at one of these events taking place in Edinburgh this year…..
Burns events at The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Preserving and celebrating Scotland’s heritage of storytelling, theatre, dance and music, The Scottish Storytelling Centre is showcasing the work of Burns through several events.
Burns Song Workshop with Sheena Wellington is open to all singing levels and will explore the many sides of Burns;, while Cafe Ceilidh: Celebrating Robert Burns is a fun and relaxed afternoon of traditional songs, music, poems and stories. For a lively performance of Burns’ best loved poems, music and songs don’t miss Robert Burns: A Birthday Celebration.
Burns events at The Scottish Storytelling Centre run between 20 and 25 January 2024.
Burns Supper at the Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Retuning for 2024, the Burns Supper at the Scottish Café & Restaurant will welcome guests with a live piping performance and Address to the Haggis, before enjoying a three course seasonal Scottish supper and a dram of whisky.
Afterwards, take to the dance floor with live music and ceilidh dancing.
Join the Burns Supper at the Scottish Café & Restaurant on 25, 26 or 27 January 2024.
Burns’ Night at Luckenbooths
Located on the Royal Mile, Luckenbooths is celebrating Burns Night with an offering fitting of a true Scottish festivity.
After being welcomed with a dram of whisky or a glass of fizz alongside the traditional sounds of a piper, guests are treated to a five-course dinner prepared with the best of local and seasonal produce.
Burns’ Night at Luckenbooths takes place on 25 and 26 January 2024.
Burns & Beyond
The festival, Burns & Beyond is back with a programme of art and culture from some of Scotland’s leading performers and musicians, all of which celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns.
Performances confirmed for this year’s festival include Callum Easter & The Roulettes and Mercury Music Prize nominee, Nadine Shah, while The Jacobites Ceilidh Band will be providing lively music to get everyone twirling round the dancefloor at the Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh.
Be part of Burns & Beyond from 25 to 28 January 2024.
Burns Night at Brewhemia
Scotland’s only beer palace and the city’s largest restaurant and bar, Brewhemia is offering its own twist on Burns Night.
Join them for an evening of live music and a menu of four courses of traditional dishes (with paired drinks an optional add-on), while exploring their not-so-traditional version on the life of Rabbie Burns.
Brewhemia’s Burns Night is on 25 January 2024.
Burns Supper at The Queens Arms
The popular watering hole on Frederick Street is welcoming visitors to its Burns Supper at The Queens Arms.
Feast on a three-course meal, with an optional upgrade of Highland Park whisky pairings, while listening to the words of Burns and some stirring pipe music.
Burns Supper at The Queens Arms takes place on 25 January 2024.
Burns Night Whisky Tasting at Moonwake Beer Co.
Join Moonwake Beer Co. for a cosy Burns Night celebration at their taproom in Leith. Be talked through a flight of three whiskies before enjoying Scottish Bao Buns from Steam Bunny.
Burns Night Whisky Tasting at Moonwake Beer Co. runs on 25 January 2024.
An Edinburgh Burns Night at The Real Mary King’s Close
Following on from their previous sell-out Burns Night events, The Real Mary King’s Close have created an evening filled to the brim with poetry, history, and whisky.
An Edinburgh Burns Night offers a Burns-inspired guided tour of the uniquely preserved streets and spaces underneath Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, before finishing the evening with a dram of whisky.
An Edinburgh Burns Night is available on 25 to 27 January 2024.
Burns Supper onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
To celebrate the birth of our national bard, make your way to the shore in Leith for The Royal Yacht Britannia’s traditional Burns Supper.
After being piped aboard Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, you’ll enjoy a drinks and canapé reception followed by a delicious five-course meal in the State Dining Room where presidents and prime ministers dined with the late Queen. The evening also includes a highlight tour of the State Apartments, traditional Scottish music from Britannia’s musicians and a whisky tasting. Why not enhance your evening with an overnight stay aboard their sister ship, Fingal.
Burns Supper on the Royal Yacht Britannia is available on 26 and 27 January 2024.
Burns inspired whiskies at the Scotch Whisky Experience
Chosen by staff and highlighted in their bars, the Scotch Whisky Experience have launched their Whiskies of the Month, with each month having a theme/story behind the chosen whisky.
January is of course Burns, with each whisky paired with a poem written by Burns. Showcasing history, legends and romance, these whiskies will take visitors on a journey through Scotland’s rich literary culture.
Top 10 Whisky bars in Edinburgh
Whisky, Scotland’s national drink, goes hand-in-hand with Burns Night.
Why not raise a dram to the Bard in one of Edinburgh’s warm and welcoming bars
