21/01/2007

Macsween of Edinburgh is a Scottish family business, specialising in making traditional Scottish haggis from a family recipe, handed down from generation to generation. Jo Macsween took time out of a hectic January schedule to share her tips on holding the perfect Burns Night supper this 25th.


Whether your Burns Supper is an informal gathering or a grand and glittering event, you can plan the evening around the following traditional elements:
 
Opening Address
The host offers a few welcoming words to start the evening, usually with ‘The Selkirk Grace’.
 
Address to the Haggis
The piper leads in the chef carrying the haggis to the top table. The host or invited guest then recites Burns’ address, To a Haggis. At the line, “An’ cut you up wi' ready slight”, the haggis is cut open with a sharp knife. It is customary to applaud when the speaker is finished the address and for the company to stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky.
 
The Immortal Memory
This is the one of the central features of the evening, whereby an invited guest gives a short speech on Burns. Being asked to present The Immortal Memory is an honour and although preparing the speech will take some time and effort, don’t be dismayed, as most people find it fascinating and enjoyable. Not unlike a best man’s speech at a wedding, that highlights the groom’s good character, the speech should outline the enduring relevance of the poet today and usually includes reference to his poems or songs. The speaker ends on an up-beat note with a toast: “To the immortal memory of Robert Burns.”
 
Toast to the Lassies
This is a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. The tone should be respectful and humorous, building towards the high point at the end with the toast: “To the Lassies.”
 
Response to the Toast to the Lassies
The lassies get a chance to respond with wit, charm and relevant quotations from Burns’ life and works.
 
Songs and Poems
These are interspersed throughout the evening, culminating in Auld Lang Syne.
 
Alternative Burns Ideas
At Macsweens, we encourage innovation and new twists to Burns Suppers. There is no reason why you can’t do things your own way. You could include contemporary Burns-inspired poems and songs, or have a Burns quiz or Burns charades. ‘Burns Fortune Cookies’ is a game where there is a slip of paper with a line or two from a Burns poem at each place setting. The aim is to work out which poem it is from, so you may leave clues by having books available or another guest could have different lines from the same poem. Burns fancy dress, or a 'red red rose' theme are other ideas but, really, it’s up to you.
 
For all your haggis needs contact Macsween Of Edinburgh, in Bilston Glen, Loanhead, Edinburgh, on 0131 440 2555, www.macsween.co.uk.