Democracy. Destiny. Ginger fizz. Plus a free Regular Bru for Burns Night
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland. The nation spoke. Cineworld listened. And now every Scottish Cineworld cinema is proudly serving the most defiant soft drink on earth.
To announce the moment, Cineworld has launched a bold new ad campaign in partnership with IRN-BRU, starring its own Scottish cinema teams serving up IRN-BRU with maximum pride and minimal apology. The creative leans hard into classic IRN-BRU attitude – irreverent, cheeky, and proudly Scottish.
Tim Sparrow, Director of Retail at Cineworld, said: “Scotland made it very clear what it wanted, and now IRN-BRU is finally on tap at Cineworld.
Grab a seat, grab a BRU, and enjoy the victory!”
FREE REGULAR IRN-BRU FOR BURNS NIGHT
Sunday January 25, 2026 – Scotland only
Every customer attending a Scottish Cineworld on Burns Night with a valid ticket will receive a free regular IRN-BRU, on us. No small print. No hoops. Just fizz.
To celebrate Burns Night’ 26, Cineworld are bring back two Scottish classics to the big screen for only £5.99 per film when you book online:
The Angels’ Share (2012)
Ken Loach’s whisky-soaked, big-hearted caper.
Braveheart (1995) – 4K Restoration
Big speeches, bigger kilts, now in glorious 4K.
HOW TO GET YOUR FREE REGULAR IRN-BRU
Walk to the counter
Say: “BRU?”
Receive destiny
It’s Scotland on the screen, Scotland in your hand, and Scotland very much in charge.
Scotland, your Cineworld has been BRU-tified.
For terms and conditions for the free regular Iru Bru please visit
This month, The Lost Close invites you to experience Burns Night in a way few ever will – an intimate evening of Scottish heritage, exceptional whiskies, and captivating storytelling in two of Edinburgh’s most exclusive private spaces.
On 24th and 25th January 2026, only 20 guests per night will step inside a private luxury apartment overlooking St Giles’ Cathedral, Mercat Cross, and Parliament Square; a venue rarely open to the public with incredible views.
From the moment you arrive at 6pm to the sound of the pipes, the evening unfolds as a celebration of Scotland’s culture and history. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz before the ceremonial “Address to a Haggis,” performed by a bagpiper as the haggis is led in.
Throughout the night, storytelling takes centre stage. Expert hosts will share tales of Robert Burns and the poet Robert Fergusson, whose work profoundly influenced him, alongside stories of Parliament Square, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the fascinating history of The Lost Close itself.
Between these moments, guests will enjoy a three-course Scottish dinner, with each dish paired with an exceptional whisky introduced by The Lost Close’s whisky expert.
The tasting features four remarkable Scotch whiskies, including Annandale Distillery’s Man O’Words, a single cask expression from the two-century old Scottish distillery, and An Edinburgh Dram, distilled in 1991 at North British and matured for over 33 years.
The evening concludes underground at The Lost Close, where guests will savour The Lost Close 2, a single cask release exclusive to the venue, bottled at 57.6% ABV with only 190 bottles ever produced.
After the final dram, guests are welcome to linger in the atmospheric underground setting until 11pm.
This is not just a Burns Night supper – it is an immersive journey through Scotland’s poetry, history, and craftsmanship in a setting few will ever experience.
Three of Scotland’s best loved brands collaborate on the new recipe of the relaunched pudding
Pictured from left to right: Lauren Paterson, Mrs Tilly’s; Simon Howie; Richard Walker, Walker’s Shortbread
Unveiled on St Andrew’s Day and back by customer demand, Simon Howie’s famous chocolate haggis is making its return in time for two of Scotland’s biggest celebrations, Hogmanay and Burns Night.
This time around, Simon Howie has collaborated with two of Scotland’s best loved brands, Walker’s Shortbread and Mrs Tilly’s, on a new and improved recipe featuring delicious chunks of all-butter shortbread and fudge, creating an indulgent and unique dessert that’s sold as a haggis!
Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis was originally launched in 2024 as a limited-edition pudding for Burns Night. While the brand was keen to bring it back for January 2025, legal dispute with Cadbury’s over the products previous purple packaging made this impossible.
Simon Howie said:“For our wee limited edition Chocolate Haggis to worry the biggest players in chocolate, shows the success of the 2023 launch.
“While we were disappointed not to be able to bring it back straight away, we used the time we needed to change the packaging to also improve the recipe by adding in chunks of shortbread and fudge from our friends at Walker’s and Mrs Tilly’s.
“The Scottish food and drink community is known for its collaboration, and this is a perfect example of three like-minded family-owned manufacturers teaming up to create a unique and innovative product.
“We’re grateful to Walker’s and Mrs Tilly’s for their support and look forward to hearing the reaction from our customers.”
Richard Walker of Walker’s Shortbread said:“Chocolate Haggis is such a unique and fun celebration of Scotland and we’re delighted to be part of the new recipe development.
WWe are sure it will be enjoyed by many as the perfect pudding for Burns Night.”
Lauren Paterson of Mrs Tilly’s said:“We’re excited to have our Scottish fudge added to Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis dessert and that people across Scotland will be able to enjoy this sweet treat with their friends and families for Hogmanay and all the way through to Burns Night.”
Chocolate Haggis is an indulgent chocolate brownie dessert sold in the shape of a haggis. Simon Howie recommends removing all the packaging and microwaving the pudding for about 3 mins before serving with ice cream or cream. The pudding can also be cooked as a regular haggis would, and the casing cut open to serve.
Simon Howie is the UK’s number one haggis brand and sells more than 1.3m haggis during January in the run up to Burns Night.
The brand’s previous work on Chocolate Haggis recently won Campiagn of the Year at the 2025 Scotland Food and Drink Awards.
Chocolate Haggis will be available in Tesco from the 26th December and from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Scotmid from 1st January.
The product is limited edition until Burns Night so will be unavailable after the 26 January. RRP £5.00. You can find more information on Chocolate Haggis here.
A brand-new tartan has been created by Samaritans Scotland to raise awareness of suicide prevention and the charity’s services in Scotland. Named the ‘Samaritartan’, the new tartan was chosen by Samaritans volunteers across Scotland.
A preview of the tartan took place at the Scottish Parliament this week ahead of Burns Night, a time where people all over the world are connected through Scotland’s iconic music, poetry, cuisine, and tartan as they celebrate the National Bard. MSPs from across political parties joined together to support suicide prevention and Samaritans Scotland’s commitment to a world where fewer lives are lost to suicide, including the Minister for Health, Social Care, and Sport, Maree Todd.
As a charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide, the new tartan is a symbol of connection and weaves together the volunteers, branches, communities, and the wider organisation in Scotland.
Samaritans Scotland Head of Policy and Communications, Danielle Rowley, said: “The first Samaritans branch in Scotland opened in 1959, and we’ve been connecting with people ever since. We want the tartan to be a way to connect with the communities we work with, and a way for people to proudly show their support and passion for suicide prevention.
“The symbolism of the lines in the tartan crossing over and the weave of the tartan highlights the importance of connection, and how our lives touch the lives of others.
“Something as simple as saying ‘hello’, or having a coffee with someone can be enough to make a difference. We hope that the Samaritartan, as something bright and visual, will act as a conversation starter and help to address the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.”
The officially registered Samaritartan was designed in partnership with International Tartans’ Retweed, tartan weavers House of Edgar, and was brought to life through the creation of Samaritartan kilts, ties, and scarves by local business, Kinloch Anderson, close to the charity’s central hub in Leith.
Angela Merola, Marketing Coordinator at Kinloch Anderson, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the creation of this brand-new tartan for Samaritans Scotland. We know how valuable the work of the charity is, with volunteers across the country supporting people in some of their most difficult times.
To help bring this bright and vibrant tartan into the world and connect the groups that help so many people every day was special for us.”
Award-wiining Scottish poet and current Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen, has also written a beautiful and unique poem around the tartan and the meaning of connection.
Speaking about Samaritans Scotland and his involvement with the charity’s new tartan creation, Pederson said: ‘I’m in admirative awe of all the vital, life-altering, and deeply courageous work Samaritans do.
“The people they reach, the lives bolstered, the minds fortified, and the connections nurtured, forged and fostered because of their compassionate and mettlesome presence is, quite frankly, astounding.
“Suffice to say, Scotland, and the world, is a better, less lonely, more sentient place because of them. To have written a poem to champion them and help celebrate the arrival of their stunning new Samaritartan range is a supreme privilege. Long live the Samaritans (and Samaritartan).’
The poem can be heard as part of a new video unveiling the tartan, which will be released on Burns Day this weekend.
The tartan is expected to feature at this year’s Tartan Parade in Edinburgh on the 10th May, and it is hoped that the tartan will soon be available through a variety of merchandise for people to buy.
The preview event was held at the Scottish Parliament on the 22nd January, alongside an event highlighting the latest research undertaken by Samaritans in partnership with Strathclyde University, ‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’.
The report highlights the impact of employment and financial insecurity on suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Participants shared their experiences of feeling the pressure of insufficient pay and poverty, of the stigma placed on them when reaching out for financial support, and of the sense of being trapped in debt.
Since the first Samaritans branch in Scotland answered its first call for help in 1959, there are now 19 branches and nearly 1,000 volunteers stretching from the Borders to the Highlands & Islands.
Volunteers are available every day and night through the helpline, with the charity also providing community outreach support in Scottish prisons, schools, hospitals, and on the rail network.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’ research can be found here.
Abbey Strand gardens Royal Mile edinburgh.Photograph David Cheskin.06.2020
A dry gin infused with botanicals grown in the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish seat of the Royal Family, is now available from Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is infused with mint and lemon thyme, two distinctly fruity herbs that have been hand-picked from the Physic Garden for their vibrant flavour. Inspired by the garden’s history of cultivating medicinal and culinary herbs, the botanicals – which are steeped for 24 hours before the distilling process begins – combine with juniper to create a delicately fragrant gin with a complex citrus top note.
The gin pairs beautifully with mediterranean or elderflower tonics to further enhance the refreshing flavours of the herbs. Garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprig of thyme, it will make an elegant aperitif deserving of Scotland’s foremost poet.
The Physic Garden was opened adjacent to the Palace in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site, and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh and visitors to the Palace.
Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670 by two Scottish physicians, Sir Robert Sibbald and Sir Andrew Balfour, the original garden provided pharmacists with vital, fresh ingredients and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Today, visitors to the Physic Garden will see plants such as fennel, lavender, and lemon balm growing. It is joined by a meadow of wildflowers with healing properties, evoking the 15th-century monastic gardens of Holyrood Abbey, while 17th-century royal gardens have been reimagined through geometric displays of bulbs including crocuses, tulips, and alliums.
In a further nod to its historical surroundings, the gin bottle’s floral design is inspired by the 17th-century Scottish textiles seen on the bed in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Bedchamber at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. With interlacing leaves, vines, and flowers, the stylised foliage design was typical of Jacobean crewelwork – a fashionable type of embroidery at the time.
All profits from sales of the gin go towards the care of, and access to, the Royal Collection through the public opening of the Royal Residences, exhibitions, loans, and educational programmes managed by Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin, 40% abv, can now be purchased from the Royal Collection Trust shop in Edinburgh at £40.00 for a 70cl bottle.
A poetic soul named Lionel Longlegs, who resides at Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre, has had a poem penned in his honour in the hope it might lead to him meeting “his only luve”.
As we approach the celebration of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who famously wrote about two dogs in ‘The Twa Dogs’ and ‘luve’ in ’A Red, Red, Rose’, it’s the perfect time to share Lionel’s story.
Three-year-old Lionel is described by Dogs Trust staff as having a heart as expansive as the Scottish Highlands. One of his Canine Carers Jill McLees, who is an aspiring Poet, put pen to paper about the special Lurcher:
“My name is Lionel Longlegs and if only I was a man,
I’d be able to read Rabbie Burns without needing a helping hand.
I really am a wonderful boy, I’ve got so much love in my heart,
I’m looking for my special person, from whom I’ll never part”.
Kim McNeill, Assistant Manager Administration at Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre said: “Lionel is a very loving and loyal dog who has a big heart. He thrives in the company of his favourite humans and once you meet him, you can’t help but fall in love with him.
“With Burns Night approaching, we knew we had to tell the world about him in the hope his forever family might spot him. In his poetry Rabbie Burns writes about being deeply in love with his wife and we know the feeling having lost our hearts to Lionel. He is a tender-hearted, playful boy who adores the great outdoors, snuggles with human friends, and revels in the simple joys of life.
“We hope anyone looking for a canine companion who will be on their side, and by their side through thick and thin will consider Lionel as he has so much love to give.”
Prime Minister celebrates Scottish culture and the integral contribution it makes to the fabric of the UK at Number 10 reception
Guests enjoy haggis toasties, fresh fruit sodas and seeing Scottish businesses showcased whilst listening to Robert Burns’ poems
Prime Minister awards Wheels to Heal founder Khalid Raza with a Points of Light Award for his community work
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated Scottish culture last nightby hosting a reception in Downing Street to celebrate Burns Night.
Guests, including faith group leaders, were welcomed to the event with sounds of traditional bagpipes and drums, and will be able to enjoy Scottish cuisine from stalls in an indoor-street market.
Deeney’s famous haggis toasties and Rapscallion’s fresh fruit sodas were on offer, and there was a range of other businesses showcased as part of the event.
Deeney’s was set up by Carol and Paddy at a market in East London in the summer of 2012. Inspired by Carol’s Scottish roots, it has been a mainstay of London’s street food scene ever since, partly thanks to their famous ‘Macbeth’ haggis toastie, and they now have restaurants in both London and Tokyo.
Glasgow-based Rapscallion Soda was born in 2016 and has built a reputation for its inventive exotic flavours using raw ingredients, such as Burnt Lemon, Dry Lime and Rhubarb.
Attendees were offered a dram of the Isle of Raasay Distillery’s finest. Founded in 2017, the Inner Hebrides island’s first legal distillery produces both whisky and gin in its contribution to Scotland’s drinks exports, worth £4.2. billion in total in 2021.
The Prime Minister also chatted to fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie about her innovative work reinventing tartan classics such as kilts, tailoring and accessories into contemporary styles.
As is tradition, Hugh McMillan, member of the Scottish Poetry Library, recited Robert Burns’ A Man’s a Man for a’ That, as well as a selection of other poetry.
As part of the celebrations, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to personally award Mr Khalid Raza, founder of the charity Wheels to Heal with a Points of Light award.
It will be the UK’s 1974th Points of Light award, recognising the outstanding contribution Mr Raza has made to both his own community and countless others across the world.
After discovering 150 wheelchairs by chance in a landfill, Raza created Wheels to Heal – a volunteering network which gives people access to wheelchairs and mobility aids. Since its inception in 2015, the charity has funded and rescued 6,500 wheelchairs from landfill and 5,500 mobility aids from care homes, delivering them across the globe.
For those non whisky drinkers, why not look at some handcrafted, small batch Scottish Gin. Caorunn (pronounced ka-roon) Gin comes from the Gaelic name for Rowan Berry, which grows wild within a 5-minute walk from the distillery.
The Rowan Berry is infused with five other locally foraged botanicals including dandelion leaf, heather, Coul blush apple and bog myrtle along with six traditional gin botanicals and natural Scottish water. Fresh and floral on the nose, this gin is clean, sweet, full-bodied and aromatic with a long-lasting dry and crisp finish.
Burns Cocktail (Cranachan Cocktail)
35ml Caorunn
15ml Calvados
15ml Honey syrup
15ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
5 Fresh raspberries
20ml Pasteurised egg white
Top soda
Shake first 6 ingredients and double strain into hi-ball. Fill glass with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with large cinnamon stick and cinnamon sugar dusting.
When I was looking into Burns Night drinks, I found that a lot of them were very focussed on quite masculine flavours and were generally whisky heavy (writes ELLIE TAYLOR).
I looked into doing a savoury cocktail to sit alongside the traditional Burns meal but felt as though this was a little bit too obvious and wanted to do something that was a bit more relevant.
Cranachan came up a lot as the most popular Scottish dessert associated with traditional meals so I thought I would play about with the flavours and ingredients found within that. Rather than using apple as a direct ingredient, I used Calvados (apple brandy) to bring apple into the recipe and also bring additional complexity and depth. Apple and raspberry is a really classic Scottish flavour combination.
This is a drink designed to appeal to a wide audience, to be enjoyed after your traditional Scottish meal and one which stays true to Caorunn.
Aldi Scotland has launched its popular budget friendly Burns Night range.
In store from 19 January, the discount retailer is once again offering unbeatable prices on its celebratory Burns Supper spread meaning up to four diners can enjoy a full Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties for just £0.81pp (£3.26 total*).
This year, Aldi Scotland will be serving up its exceptionally popular Macaulay’s Haggis at a promotional price of just £1.49 (454g). In addition, the retailer will also have a limited number of Simon Howie’s Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis for just £3.39 (908g). Made by the Perthshire-based butcher to the traditional Scots recipe, Simon Howie pride themselves on quality food at budget-friendly prices.
Simon Howie, Owner, Simon Howie Foods said: “All our haggis’ are made with quality ingredients to award-winning recipes and are the perfect choice for celebrating all things Scotland as we enjoy a fine meal and raise a glass this Burns night.
“It’s always a highlight in the calendar and we are thrilled to be partnering with Aldi Scotland, once again.”
A haggis feast is never complete without traditional ‘neeps and tatties’. Available at amazing Aldi prices, a 2.5kg bag of Maris Piper potatoes is just £0.99, while swedes are currently available at £0.39. For those adding a bit of culinary flair to their Burns Supper there are 1kg carrots (£0.29), white/red cabbage (£0.39 each), 1kg onions (£0.49) and 500g leeks (£0.99) available as part of the renowned ‘super six’ reduced range.
For customers looking to pick up a plant-based option, Aldi Scotland is stocking Macaulay’s Vegetarian Haggis (£1.49), as well as a gluten free option from Simon Howie (£1.99).
Not a fan of the ‘Great chieftain o the puddin’-race’? No problem, Aldi Scotland has a selection of products which offer a twist on the classic, including Punjab Pakora Haggis Pakora with a tomato and mint sauce (£1.59), Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons (£2.29), Simon Howie’s Haggis Olives (£2.99), Specially Selected Beef and Haggis Pastry Parcels with Peppercorn Sauce (£3.99), and Simon Howie’s Curried Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99).
To wash down the Bard’s celebratory fayre, Aldi Scotland will be retailing a variety of Scotland’s favourite fizzy ginger including Barr’s 1901 Irn Bru (£1.99, 750ml), Irn Bru (£3.99, 12x 330ml), Irn Bru Sugar Free (£3.99, 12x 330ml) and Irn Bru Xtra (£3.99, 12x 330ml).
Aldi was named UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2022 by consumer group Which? for the second year in a row.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Haggis is Scotland’s dish, and something that every Scot should sample at least once. Whether it’s the real deal, a vegetarian option, or haggis inspired pakora, with our Burns Night range there is something for every shopper.
“At Aldi we pride ourselves on being able to bring great, locally sourced, products to market that represent incredible value, and this Burns Night range is no different. Offering premium dishes at budget friendly prices, every one of our haggis dishes have been chosen for their exceptional quality and taste.
“In 2022 we continued to underline our commitment to Scottish suppliers and producers with the aim of bringing the best of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink sector to our customers. We are now pleased to be kicking off 2023 by once again working with so many of our long-standing suppliers in Scotland to offer our customers a fantastic range of products.”
Available at all 104 Scottish stores, Scots are guaranteed unbeatable bargains on all essential food and drink in honour of the country’s foremost poet.
Aldi continues to support to Scottish food and drink producers with 25% of its range now locally sourced in Scotland. The supermarket’s commitment to local produce was recognised at the 2022 Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year by Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards. The discount retailer also scooped 63 individual awards for their Scottish product offering in 2022.
