Celebrate Burns Night in the South of Scotland

Don your finest tartan, Burns Night is just around the corner! Celebrations in the South of Scotland and around the world are getting ready to commence.

Celebrating Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet, on the 25th of January every year is a tradition that is inextricably linked to the region. Dumfries bills itself as the Home of Burns Night with a festivities lasting over two weeks with a range of activities and artists. The town and surrounding area is where the ploughman poet spent much of his life. First staying at Ellisland Farm and later in the town centre in what is now known as Robert Burns House. The bard even etched some verses into a window of his local watering hole, the Globe Inn. Today you can take a tour to learn more about his time here.

So, as Scots and Scotland-lovers alike gather to celebrate his life and work, we have rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate the Bard. Whether you plan to host your own Burns Night at home or are going out to honour him, read on. 

The Big Burns Supper

The Big Burns Supper has cemented Dumfries’ reputation as the Home of Burns Night. Events start mid-January with Northern Lights, a week-long, free showcase of dazzling light installations in the town centre. Follow the trail until you arrive at the Bard’s final resting place at the Burns Mausoleum in Greyfriars Kirkyard. The whole town is joining the celebrations in his honour: There is a winter food village with local producers, and the popular Dumfries Carnival returns with fun for all the family.

In the week running up to Burns Night, expect special events all about Rabbie, including concerts and alternative Burns Supper events. And there is more, so don’t miss out on the biggest celebration of Burns in Dumfries!

Celebrate Where He Lived

Auld Aquaintance Cottage

While the Farm and Museum are closed through the winter, you can have an authentic Burns experience by booking the Auld Aquaintance Cottage on the property. The accommodation sleeps five guests and furry guests are also welcome. Have a Burns supper on the site where the great man took inspiration and penned some of his most famous works.

Friars Carse Hotel

In Burns’ time, this modern country house hotel was known as Glenriddell, home to his friend Captain Robert Riddell. Burns almost certainly composed some of his works on the grounds of the property as Riddell allowed him the use of an architectural folly known as the Hermitage.

Burns Night Out

The Globe Inn – Dumfries

Where better to head than the Bard’s favourite Howff? Book early and enjoy an evening of great music, great food, and great entertainment. The Globe is a winner of the Scottish Thistle Awards’ Best Eating Experience and is mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Their special Burns evening sees guests greeted by a piper, moves to the bar with a complimentary ‘rascally’ cocktail and gastronomical delights with a 5-course tasting menu. Between courses enjoy performances of Burns songs, stories and much more by renowned Burnsian Callum Watson.

And if you miss out for the big night, don’t worry as you can celebrate through out the year. How about a tour to find out why The Globe was voted Scotland’s most historic pub? Or book private dining in the very room Burns’ himself once ate?

Annandale Distillery – Annan

Get into the spirit with a classic distillery tour at Annandale Distillery! The one-hour tour includes a tasting of the unpeated whisky, Man o’Words. The tipple is named after Burns who was the exciseman in the area.

Then round off your visit at The Maltings Coffee Shop for lunch, where a 3-course lunch is on the menu exclusively for the weekend of Burns Night. Tuck into traditional haggis, neeps and tatties and delightful Cranachan – what a way to honour the Bard!

Burns Night In

If you’re planning to host your own Burns Supper, add locally prepared treats to your spread. Head to one of the local butchers in the South of Scotland for freshly prepared haggis or pick up cheese from one of our many farm shops. And to elevate your Address to the Haggis, make sure to serve one of the whiskies from these parts, too – Annandale, Bladnoch and the Borders Distillery all offer excellent choices for the evening. 

For a twist on a traditional Burns Night at home, pick up a bottle of Haggis Gin by Scottish Borders based DeliQuescent in specialist local shops or order online.