Burns Night: Five top tips for hosting the perfect haggis dinner
Time to don your tartan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Burns Night, the annual celebration of the life and enduring legacy of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, is upon us.
Whether you’re Scottish or not, hosting or attending a Burns Supper is a lot of fun.
Who wouldn’t want to dress in their finest tartan, listen to bagpipes and fill themselves to the brim with hearty grub?
The classic Burns Night meal is haggis, neeps and tatties. For anyone unfamiliar with those three words though, allow us to explain.
Haggis is a savoury pudding made of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, which is minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, stock and a mix of spices. Neeps are swedes and tatties are potatoes.
To make sure your Burns Night goes off without a hitch, we’ve spoken to haggis producer James Macsween (managing director of Macsween haggis) for his top tips.
1. Cater for everyone
While vegetarians might run a mile from traditional haggis, they needn’t miss out on the fun. “When hosting a Burns Supper, guests should be able to enjoy the traditional food no matter what their dietary requirements,” Macsween says.
There are plenty of great vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free haggises available today, often made with a lentil base, and thanks to the spices used they’re as taste as meaty haggis too.
2. Consider straying from tradition
If you’re bored of haggis, neeps and tatties, why not put your own twist on the classic?
“If you are looking to steer away from tradition and try something a little different, haggis nachos or haggis sausage rolls are just a couple of alternative ways that haggis can be incorporated into the celebrations,” Macsween suggests.
3. But don’t forget to address the haggis
“It’s not really Burns Night without the ‘Address to the Haggis’,” Macsween says. “Robert Burns’ Address is the perfect way to get everyone in the spirit.”
You absolutely must not tuck in without toasting the haggis – see Robert Burns’ original address here.
“An enthusiastic spokesperson at the supper is of key importance to bring Robert Burns’ words to life and create a celebratory atmosphere,” Macsween says.
4. Think about your drink pairings
Think Scotland and think whisky, right? While it might be the presumed drink of choice for a Burns Supper, it can be worth thinking outside the box.
“In truth, haggis pairs wonderfully with beer and wine as well,” Macsween explains. “A good hoppy beer is one of my favourites with haggis.”
5. Choose your music carefully
“If you want to make it a real party, then music should be a top priority to help enhance the atmosphere,” Macsween points out.
Head to Spotify and you won’t be short of choice when it comes to Burns Night playlists.
“You can keep it classic with strictly Rabbie Burns’ own songs or you can celebrate everything Scottish, with The Proclaimers and Eddi Reader, to name a couple,” Macsween suggests.
You might just have to bear in mind how long your guests will be able to handle bagpipes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments