Burns Supper
Around the world tributes to the life and works of Robert Burns are held through the ritual of the Burns Supper.
What started as a way to honour Scotland's national bard by a group of his friends a few years after his death, is now a tradition celebrated annually on January 25.
There are a number of traditions to follow when attending a formal Burns Supper before tucking in. This includes piping in and addressing the haggis. After which it is customary to raise a glass and toast the haggis.
Of course it goes without saying that no Traditional Burns Supper would be complete without haggis and whisky (and there should always be songs, recitals and dancing) but most importantly the evening is to celebrate friendship, in a fitting tribute to how Burns Night started all those years ago.
If haggis is not for you, then why not try one of our contemporary recipes. There are even a few different serving suggestions for your whisky toasts too. And if you need help to source Scottish ingredients for your meal try our Source Scottish Produce section.
So for 2009, the year of Scotland's Homecoming, why not join one of the many Burns Suppers, traditional or contemporary, held the world over - or better still, hold your own! To find out how see 'How to host a supper'.