A Guide to Burns Night In Edinburgh in 2024

Welcome to our guide for celebrating Burns Night 2024 in Edinburgh. This blog includes traditional Burns Night traditions, explore the exciting events and activities happening in Edinburgh during Burns Night, and reveals the best places to celebrate Burns Night in Scotland’s capital.

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.

What is Burns Night?

Burns Night celebrates the life and works of the poet Robert Burns, one of the iconic Scottish poet. This 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.

When is Burns Night?

Given that the poet's birthday is on 25^th January 1759, Burns Night takes place on January 25^th every year. On the day, Scots and non-Scots gather to pay tribute to his memory by going to a Burns Supper, complete with poetry readings, hearty food, and, of course, whisky.

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.

Why is Robert Burns so famous?

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.

What is a Burns 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.

How did the Burns Supper begin?

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. 

What happens at a Burns Supper?

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 (the national dish of Scotland, a savoury pudding composed of the liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep), 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.

Best Burns Night Activities & 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Visit Edinburgh’s famous landmarks

Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city and on the 25^th 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 for your Burns Night stay is the fact that our serviced apartments in Edinburgh 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 deals. 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!