Tag: Burns Night

Aldi addresses the haggis with Simon Howie this Burns Night

Aldi customers can now pick up their Burns Night favourites produced by one Scotland’s top meat suppliers, Simon Howie, in all 91 stores across Scotland. Continue reading Aldi addresses the haggis with Simon Howie this Burns Night

Vegetarian haggis launches in US for Burns Night

  • Macsween of Edinburgh is celebrating its first export to the US in half a century with the launch of its vegetarian haggis in time for Burns Night
  • Branded as “Scottish Veggie Crumble” in the US, the vegetarian haggis will be available in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
  • Latest figures show Scottish goods exports to the United States were worth £4.3 billion, an increase of 8% on the previous year

Macsween of Edinburgh has launched its vegetarian haggis for the US market in time for Burns Night, making this the company’s first export to America in nearly 50 years.

Branded in the US as “Scottish Veggie Crumble”, Macsween’s haggis is available in 14 Fairway Market stores across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Despite there still being a US import ban on traditional haggis, Macsween decided to export its award-winning vegetarian haggis for the free-from, planted-based and vegan market. The launch of the “Scottish Veggie Crumble” means there’s a seat at the table for everyone this Burns Night no matter your dietary requirements.

James Macsween, Managing Director of Macsween of Edinburgh, said: “We at Macsween are delighted to be exporting again to the USA after 49 years!  

“Finally, Americans and the expat community can enjoy the UK’s most loved haggis brand known for its award-winning taste and texture. This is a huge milestone for Macsween to be expanding internationally and leading the way in plant-based food exports.

 “My grandfather, Charlie, would be very proud to see how far we’ve come from his original butcher’s shop in Bruntsfield which he opened back in 1953. My father John Macsween would also be proud as he invented the world’s first vegetarian haggis in 1984.”

Macsween has already sent 360 cases of “Scottish Veggie Crumble” to the US this month, and the iconic haggis producer is currently in the process of appointing a sales agent in the US to support its international expansion.

The US remains the top destination for Scottish goods, and in the year to September 2019 Scottish goods exports to the country were worth £4.3 billion. This was an increase of 8% on the previous year, with food and drink accounting for 30% of exports.

Meanwhile in the UK, Macsween is the most loved haggis and vegetarian haggis brand with a 60% share of the vegan haggis market according to a ScotPulse survey in November 2019.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said: “It’s great to see Macsween enter the US market for the first time, giving Scots in America a taste of home this Burns Night. 

“The US is the second biggest export market for Scotland, and a new free trade agreement will make it easier for businesses to sell their goods in the US, which will encourage growth and create jobs for people in Scotland.”

In 2017, Macsween made history when it became the first company to export haggis to Canada since 1971, after developing a new recipe that meets the country’s food safety regulations.

Burns Community Ceilidh at Royston Wardieburn

An evening of music, poetry, dancing and food!

Our 6th annual Burns Community Ceilidh: A multicultural community celebration, featuring Burns poetry recitals, live band and other performances, ceilidh dancing, and food!

Tickets £3 (under 5s free). We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as this event is likely to sell out.

From Scotland to Canada: Burns night boost for haggis exports

Scots around the world celebrate Burns Night

Tonight, Scots in Canada will be celebrating Burns Night with a hearty serving of haggis, thanks to the rise in exports from Scotland’s largest producer of the iconic meat pudding. Continue reading From Scotland to Canada: Burns night boost for haggis exports

Burns Night at The Botanics

We hae meat and we can eat! Celebrate Burns in style at the Botanics

If you need an excuse to end Dry January early, then Burns Night has arrived just in time! Toast Scotland’s national Bard with an evening of Scottish fare, music and dancing at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Join the Botanics and events partner Sodexo on Friday 25th January 2019, for a night filled with traditional festivities in the venue’s picturesque Gateway Restaurant. Kicking off at 7.30pm, the evening will begin in true Burns spirit with a hot toddy on arrival.

As guests settle in, the Selkirk Grace will be recited, followed by a special three-course Burns Night supper created by Sodexo’s talented team of chefs, kicking off with a warming Scotch broth.

This is followed by the undeniable jewel in the crown of any Burns supper, the haggis. Even Burns himself described it as the “great chieftan o’ the puddin’ race”. Made by Hornigs, the haggis will be accompanied with the classic sides of neeps, tatties and a whisky and chive sauce. However, before guests tuck in, it must be toasted.

In keeping with the long-held tradition, the celebration will begin with the procession of the centrepiece haggis, its address by the Reel Time Piper and finally, its surrender to the plunging dagger blade of the dirk.

To round off the delicious meal on a sweet note, guests will be served Scottish cranachan made with raspberries, cream and toasted oats. This will be followed by live music to play the guests into the small hours with a contemporary twist on traditional music and ceilidh dancing – the perfect end to the feast.

Fraser Sharp, General Manager for Sodexo at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “Every year, Scotland celebrates Burns Night making it the perfect excuse to bring people together, drink a whisky and share a great meal. So, if you are looking for a unique venue to celebrate Robert Burns’ 260th birthday, why not join us as we pay a lively and joyous tribute to the life and work of our national Bard.”

Tickets cost £45 and are available to book by calling 0131 552 1974.

For more information, please visit www.atthebotanics.co.uk

 

Burns Night: First Minister reflects on importance of Scotland’s national bard

Looking ahead to Burns Night 2018, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We’re very proud in Scotland that Burns Night is celebrated every year in towns and cities right around the world – from New Zealand to Norway and from Mexico to Malawi.

“Here in Scotland, there are events taking place the length and breadth of the country: from Dumfries’s Big Burns Supper, an 11 day festival, to Inverness’ Stramash – a celebration of Burns which this year has a special focus on children and young people. And of course Burns suppers will be taking place in homes and social venues throughout the land.

“I always think it’s remarkable and admirable that Scotland’s most celebrated national figure isn’t a politician, a soldier, or a king or queen, but is instead a writer – someone whose songs and poems have enriched millions of people’s lives.

“I think that says something about the continuing importance of culture in our lives. And of course it also highlights the enduring value of Burns’ work – the way his sympathy, humour and passion still speak profoundly to us today.

“For those qualities, and many more, Burns will be remembered and celebrated, ‘till a the seas gang dry.’

“So wherever you are, in Scotland or around the world, I hope you have a fantastic Burns Night.  And I hope you’ll join me in taking time to toast the immortal memory of the great Rabbie Burns.”

Information and tips on celebrating Burns Night is available online.

There’s a local opportunity to celebrate the life and works of Rabbie Burns at North Edinburgh’s very own Community Ceilidh on Saturday 3 February at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Tickets are still available – see below for details:

 

 

 

Auld Dram Syne: Whisky Festival cocktails honour Burns’ greatest works

Dram O’ Shanter, The Speyside Grace and Best Laid Drams … the most famous works of Scotland’s national bard have been immortalised in the form of cocktails by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Continue reading Auld Dram Syne: Whisky Festival cocktails honour Burns’ greatest works