How to Celebrate Burns Night in Edinburgh

Burns Night is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the life and works of the iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Held on the poet's birthday, January 25th, Burns Night is a festive occasion that brings Scots and lovers of Scottish culture together to enjoy traditional food, drink, and entertainment. If you're planning on celebrating Burns Night in Edinburgh, you'll find a fantastic array of events and activities to enjoy.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the history of Burns Night and Robert Burns, as well as some of the traditional Burns Night traditions. We'll also explore the exciting events and activities happening in Edinburgh during Burns Night and provide recommendations for where to stay. Whether you're a lifelong Burns Night enthusiast or you're new to the tradition, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Edinburgh during this celebratory time.

The History of Burns Night in Scotland

Burns Night is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the life and works of the iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Held on the poet's birthday, January 25th, Burns Night is a festive occasion that brings Scots and lovers of Scottish culture together to enjoy traditional food, drink, and entertainment. If you're planning on celebrating Burns Night in Edinburgh, you'll find a fantastic array of events and activities to enjoy.In this blog post, we'll delve into the history of Burns Night and Robert Burns, as well as some of the traditional Burns Night traditions. We'll also explore the exciting events and activities happening in Edinburgh during Burns Night and provide recommendations for where to stay. Whether you're a lifelong Burns Night enthusiast or you're new to the tradition, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Edinburgh during this celebratory time.

About Robert Burns

Robert Burns was a famous Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide for his contributions to Scottish and world literature. Born in 1759 in Alloway, Scotland, Burns was the eldest of seven children. He grew up in a farming family and received little formal education but was a voracious reader and taught himself a wide range of subjects. He began writing poetry at an early age, and his first book, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, was published in 1786 to great acclaim.

Burns is best known for his poems and songs, which celebrate the beauty and culture of Scotland, as well as his love for the natural world and the “common” people. He is also famous for his collections of Scottish folk songs, which he collected and preserved for posterity. Burns died at the age of 37, but his legacy lives on in his enduring works of literature.

The first Burns Night, in 1801

The first-ever Burns Night celebration was held in 1801, just over a decade after Burns' death. Organised by a group of Burns' friends, the event was held at Burns' cottage in Alloway, Scotland, and featured a dinner, speeches, and readings of Burns' poetry. 

Over time, the celebration of Burns Night became more formalized, and today it typically includes a traditional Scottish meal of haggis (the national dish of Scotland, a savoury pudding composed of the liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep), neeps (swede), and tatties (potato), as well as speeches, toasts, and performances of Burns' poetry and songs. The celebration of Burns Night is an important part of Scottish culture, and is a way for people of Scottish heritage to connect with their roots and pay tribute to the national poet of Scotland.

The Best Burns Night Events in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the perfect place to celebrate Burns Night, with a wide range of exciting events and activities to choose from. From attending a Burns Night dinner at a traditional pub or restaurant, to enjoying a performance of Burns' poetry and songs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Enjoy a traditional Burns Night Supper

One of the most popular ways to celebrate Burns Night in Edinburgh is to attend an annual Burns Supper, a formal dinner that features the traditional Burns night dish: haggis, neeps, and tatties. This meal is accompanied by whisky and other traditional Scottish drinks.

During the Burns Supper, guests will typically enjoy speeches and readings of Burns' poetry, as well as musical performances of his songs. Most commonly, the poem "Address to a Haggis" is read. The poem, written by Robert Burns himself, is a tribute to the humble haggis, and is read aloud before the haggis is ceremonially cut open and served. The reading of the poem is accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, adding to the traditional Scottish atmosphere of the celebrations. Finally, one of the most famous of Burn’s songs, "Auld Lang Syne," is sung at the end of the meal.

The Conan Doyle

One of our favourite restaurants for Burns Night in Edinburgh is The Conan Doyle, which offers a warm and inviting atmosphere and a delicious selection of Scottish cuisine. The pub, named after the famous Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is known for its tasty food and friendly service. On Burns Night, diners can enjoy a range of traditional Scottish dishes, such as slow-cooked lamb and haggis mash, as well as a game suet pudding. The cosy atmosphere at The Conan Doyle makes it the perfect place to gather with friends and family for a celebratory meal on Burns Night.

Whiski Rooms

This Edinburgh restaurant is a great place to eat on Burns Night because of its extensive selection of whisky and its quirky atmosphere. Located just a two-minute walk from Fraser Suites Edinburgh, Whiski Rooms boasts the largest and most diverse collection of whisky in the city. The restaurant's cosy and unique surroundings provide the perfect setting for sipping on vintage Scottish spirits and enjoying a meal of traditional Scottish fare. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or just looking for a fun and interesting place to celebrate Burns Night, Whiski Rooms is the place to be. Find out more on their website.

Pay a visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse

Looking for something a little different to do this Burns night? Grab tickets to “Burns,” a playing offering a fresh and unique perspective on the life of the famous Scottish poet. The musical reimagines Burns in the modern world, exploring his struggles with fame and family, and the tension between his duty and his creative calling. The play is funny, moving, and deeply insightful, and offers a glimpse into the man behind the poetry we celebrate on Burns Night.

In addition, the all-female cast and the play's debut at the Edinburgh Playhouse make it a must-see event for anyone interested in Scottish culture and the legacy of Robert Burns. Whether you are a fan of Burns' work or just want to experience something new and exciting on Burns Night, Burns is the perfect show to see.

Tickets are available here from £30.

Take part in a Ceilidh

Ceilidh dancing is a traditional Scottish dance that is often performed on Burns Night. Pronounced "kay-lee," Ceilidh is a Gaelic word that means "a visit" or "a gathering." Ceilidh dancing is a lively and energetic form of dancing that is easy to learn and fun to do. It is typically performed to lively Ceilidh band of Scottish folk music and involves a series of simple dance steps. On Burns Night, ceilidh dancing is often a highlight of the celebrations, and many people enjoy learning and performing these traditional dances as part of the festivities.

Visit Edinburgh’s famous landmarks

Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city and on the 25th January, there are many famous sights to explore. Some of the must-see attractions include Edinburgh Castle, which stands proudly on top of Castle Rock and offers stunning views of the city, as well as the Royal Mile, which is the heart of the Old Town and is home to many historic buildings and landmarks. Visitors can also explore the city's beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Botanic Garden, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Where to stay in Edinburgh for Burns Night

Fraser Suites Edinburgh is the perfect place to stay for Burns Night for a number of reasons. First and foremost, our family-friendly apartments are perfect for couples or solo travellers, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations ideal for any type of trip.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our apartments are situated next to the Royal Mile, which is the historic heart of the city and home to some of its most famous sights, including Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This means that you'll be able to easily explore the city on foot, and you'll never be far from the action.

Another great reason to choose Fraser Suites Edinburgh for your Burns Night stay is the fact that our apartments come equipped with fully-equipped kitchens. This means that you'll be able to cook your own meals, which is particularly convenient if you're travelling with children or have dietary restrictions. You'll also be able to save money on meals by preparing your own food instead of eating out for every meal.

Finally, when you book your stay at Fraser Suites Edinburgh via our website, you'll be able to take advantage of our very best rates. This means that you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay at an unbeatable price.

Overall, Fraser Suites Edinburgh offers everything you need for a perfect Burns Night stay, including a great location, comfortable apartments and more. Book your stay today and experience the best of Edinburgh during this Scottish celebration!