Selkirk Grace & Chairman’s Welcome
Guests stand for a traditional prayer (Selkirk Grace) and hear the Lord Provost’s welcome speech over a glass of whisky.
~18:30
Jan 23, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each January around the poet's birthday, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh hosts a grand Burns Supper in honor of Robert Burns, Scotland's beloved national bard. Guests gather for haggis, whisky, and the recitation of his poems, in a formal evening of music and ceremony that carries on a Scottish tradition dating to 1801.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Provost’s Fundraising Burns Supper record is date-tracked, but stronger reviewed Field Guide media would make it easier to inspect.
About media standardsGuests stand for a traditional prayer (Selkirk Grace) and hear the Lord Provost’s welcome speech over a glass of whisky.
~18:30
An invited orator delivers Burns’ famous "Address to the Haggis" poem while the haggis is presented on a silver platter. The crowd cheers as the haggis is ceremonially cut.
~19:00
A speaker (often a notable figure) delivers the "Immortal Memory" speech, extolling Burns’ influence. Guests listen to poetry and stories about Burns’ contributions.
~19:30
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Open in MapsFormal attire (black tie with tartan accent)
Familiarity with Burns Night customs
Participants are expected to stand for the Selkirk Grace, the haggis ceremony, and toasts,...
Crowd level: high.
Ticket required: £140 - £2500
Tier A · Critical media gapMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Each January around the poet's birthday, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh hosts a grand Burns Supper in honor of Robert Burns, Scotland's beloved national bard. Guests gather for haggis, whisky, and the recitation of his poems, in a formal evening of music and ceremony that carries on a Scottish tradition dating to 1801.
Tier A · Critical media gap
We have cultural timing, place, and trusted local knowledge, but this celebration does not yet meet the public media bar.
Contributor workflow and media standards stay in the dedicated Field Guide area. This page stays focused on traveler planning truth.
Learn about Field GuideBurns Night celebrates Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, on January 25 each year. Originating in 1801, it is a cherished Scottish tradition involving suppers with haggis, whisky, recitations of Burns’ works and Highland music. In Edinburgh, the Lord Provost’s Burns Supper is a flagship event in this tradition, reflecting civic pride in Burns’ heritage. The custom includes poetic toasts (Selkirk Grace, Immortal Memory) a...
Guests stand for a traditional prayer (Selkirk Grace) and hear the Lord Provost’s welcome speech over a glass of whisky.
An invited orator delivers Burns’ famous "Address to the Haggis" poem while the haggis is presented on a silver platter. The crowd cheers as the haggis is ceremonially cut.
A speaker (often a notable figure) delivers the "Immortal Memory" speech, extolling Burns’ influence. Guests listen to poetry and stories about Burns’ contributions.
The lead lasses (women) give a witty speech responding to the men’s "Toast to the Lassies", engaging guests with wit and humor in Scots dialect, followed by a reply.
After dinner, a live ceilidh band plays traditional reels and jigs. Guests join in dancing or enjoy watching dancers perform. Rowdy camaraderie and lively Scottish folk melodies fill the hall.
first-timer tips
Formal attire (black tie with tartan accent)
Familiarity with Burns Night customs
Participants are expected to stand for the Selkirk Grace, the haggis ceremony, and toasts, and applaud respectf...
Jan 23, 2026
Confirmed
Edinburgh
Scotland
£140 - £2500
Book ahead if required
Families welcome
Restricted visitor welcome

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