We sing the Bards words each and every New Year as the clock chimes midnight; we lament his song at the end of many an important celebration and we often get all teary eyed about it.

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear

For Auld Lang Syne

We’ll tak a cup o kindness yet

For Auld Lang Syne

THE BEST OF BURNS AT HAME

And so we celebrate the life and legacy of Rabbie Burns, Scotlands famous poet. To celebrate his birthday, 25th January, we tend to celebrate this with a Traditional Burns Supper; a three course meal of Cock-a-Leekie Soup followed by Haggis, Neeps and Tatties and finished off with Cranachan.

The traditional Burns Supper will start with the Selkirk Grace prayer. Dinner is served and prior to the main course, the Haggis will be piped in and addressed. After dessert, the first Burns recital is given, the Immortal Memory; then the second recital, a Toast to the Lassies and the third, A Reply to the Toast for the Lassies. Finally Auld Lang Syne is sang.

This year, Burns Suppers are going to be very different. They’re being held online where you don your kilt and tartan, click on that Zoom link, tuck into your haggis and raise a dram all whilst sitting on your couch. OR you can opt for the Burns At Home dining experience. A pimped up Burns Supper is delivered straight to your door for you to heat up and raise your own toast to the Bard.

Here are some of the best Online Burns Celebrations and Burns at Home Dining Experiences.

VIRTUAL ONLINE BURNS CELEBRATIONS

MacSween Haggis - Taking place on 25 January, the haggis company will be joined by comedy actor Karen Dunbar and Dr. Rachel Barrie, master blender for Benriach distillery on Macsween’s Facebook page at 7pm on 25 January. Facebook page - here

Glasgow Distillery - Join them on 21st, 25th and 28th January for special online whisky tastings with Camilo from Once Upon a Whisky. Book any of these three dates now for just £35 and receive your whisky straight to your door: https://bit.ly/3qdYQS5. More info on their Facebook page - here

Maclean and Bruce - hold your own whisky tasting. Gather some friends and host your own Burns Whisky tasting. More info on their Facebook page - here

McIntosh of Strathmore - have launched augmented reality Burns night packs which will beam a kilted host reciting the Address Tae A Haggis directly into your home. Launched on 11 January by ready meal brand McIntosh of Strathmore, over 300,000 special AR Haggis Neeps and Tatties packs have arrived in Scottish supermarkets to help you celebrate Burns night during lockdown. Download the Zapper app, scan the code and once your Burns supper is heated and plated, sit back and watch. Special Burns Night packs available across Scotland in Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi.

BURNS AT HAME - AT HOME DINING EXPERIENCES

Wedgwood, Edinburgh - 5 course Burns Night Celebration box available for delivery nationally on Saturday 23rd January and locally on Saturday 23rd and Monday 25th January. The menu has been created by Chef Paul and is his take on a traditional Burns supper, in each box there will be a copy of the poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ and a dram of whisky to toast our national bard. From £140 for 2 persons. Wine pairing available. More info and how to order - here

Contini, Edinburgh - Burns Supper meal kit consists of a 3 course dinner with a dram; and is available for delivery or collection from 20th -23rd January. £30pp. More info and how to order - here

Edinburgh School of Food and Wine - A 4 course meal with a dram of whisky delivered to your door. All of the elements will be cooked and prepared for your convenience and with included instructions, are ready to simply be reheated and served. £30pp including delivery and available on 22nd, 23rd and 25th January. To order email info@esfw.com. More info on their Facebook page - here

Cafe St Honore, Edinburgh - A 6 course menu plus a dram available for collection only from 21st-23rd January. £37.50 per person. More info and how to order - here

A Whale of a Time, Inverness - Celebrate Burns Night with a twist. Enjoy this Burns Box which includes 2 bottles of whisky, 2 whisky chocolates and a Whisky cake. These are such fun and something totally different whilst still raising a glass to the Bard! More info and how to order - here

The Home Menu, Auchterarder - A 4 course Burns Supper for £35pp. Available for home delivery on 22nd and 23rd January. More info and how to order - here

IJ Mellis - Burns night hamper consisting of 3 Scottish cheeses paired with 3 single malt whiskies, venison, and their own Burns chutney and oatcakes. £50 per hamper. More info and how to order - here

Tigerlilly, Edinburgh - For just £85 for 2 people, get a truly traditional Burns Supper delivered straight to your door, complete with 4 courses, petit fours, breakfast for the next morning and every box contains a Johnnie Walker cocktail, giving you the chance to win an OVERNIGHT STAY for 2 at Tigerlily. More info and how to order - here

Humbie Hub - A village shop and cafe in the heart of Humbie, East Lothian. A takeaway 3 course Burns Supper including a choice of wine, whisky or a soft drink for £16.95pp. More info on their Facebook page - here - or call 01875 833 262 or email info@humbiehub.com

MAKE YOUR OWN

You also can purchase fantastic produce from local supermarkets. My favourite brands include

Salmon - Loch Duart

Simon Howie - for Haggis, gluten free and vegetarian available

Scotty Brand - potatoes

However you choose to celebrate Burns, may your cup forever be full!

Slainte Mhath