Tag: Burns Supper

Macsween supports Social Bite community with traditional Burns Supper

The spirit of Robert Burns and his renowned concern for those encountering hardship was honoured by famous haggis manufacturer Macsween of Edinburgh Ltd, who organised a traditional Burns Supper for the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh.

The Social Bite Village Community is a supportive residential community in the Granton district of the city that provides a safe and caring home for 16 individuals who have been assessed as homeless. It was built by Social Bite and run by Cyrenians, with support, activities and administration provided by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Macsween of Edinburgh Ltd, and sister company Malcolm Allan Ltd, have a long tradition of supporting charitable causes, and in recent times have frequently donated food items from their production to FareShare, an organisation that redistributes surplus food to other charities that turn it into meals.

Against this background, Macsween was quick to offer its support in organising a lunchtime Burns Supper event for both residents and staff of the Village Community, which included the donation of traditional haggis and vegetarian haggis, as well as steak pies from Malcolm Allan.

The event was a tremendous success, which included director James Macsween providing the star-turn by giving the traditional ‘address to a haggis’ at the start of the supper.

James Macsween said: “We were delighted to support the Social Bite Village, which does an incredible job in supporting homeless people in Edinburgh.

“We were especially pleased that it gave residents an opportunity to experience such an iconic part of Scottish tradition and culture, which would otherwise not have been possible.”

Josh Littlejohn, the founder of the Social Bite Village, said:  “A huge thank you to Macsween for providing a Burns Night lunch at the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh. Sharing food in a safe space helps to create a sense of community and trust, which is why eating together is at the heart of our work.

“It can be something that people have never experienced before, so it’s wonderful that Macsween share our values and provided a delicious meal to bring people together in the supportive village environment.”

Celebrate Burns Night in an exclusive Edinburgh venue with rare whiskies and immersive storytelling

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.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 24 & 25 January 2026
  • Time: From 6pm
  • Price: £155 per person
  • Capacity: Limited to 20 guests per night

Booking is essential. 

For reservations and more information, visit: https://thelostclose.com/book-now

Primary schools in Edinburgh given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi’s first-ever Great Scottish Supper brings pipers, poetry and haggis to Scottish primary schools

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper. 

The UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2024 is set to host its first-ever Great Scottish Supper, with one primary school class winning an unforgettable Robert Burns celebration.

As one of the country’s biggest supporters of Scottish food and drink, Aldi Scotland is encouraging the next generation to sample some of the nation’s most-loved dishes while taking part in celebrations that honour Scotland’s national poet.

Schools across the country are invited to take part, with one primary school class set to receive everything they need to host a memorable Burns Day feast, including the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as more contemporary dishes such as haggis bon bons and vegetarian haggis. A bagpiper will also perform the ceremonial piping-in of the haggis.

To participate, primary school classes of any age are invited to submit original Scots poems, giving pupils the opportunity to engage creatively with Scottish heritage and literature in true Burns style.

Poems should capture the spirit and traditions of Robert Burns by telling his story in a modern and imaginative way.

The initiative is open to any primary school class in Scotland. To enter, schools should send their original poems to  to  scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk by Friday 23rd January 2026. Schools can submit more than one poem per class.

Alan Leslie, Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: “As one of the most loyal supporters of Scottish food and drink, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure Scots of all ages can experience our most iconic culinary traditions. Burns Day is the perfect occasion for our youngest generation to enjoy some of the outstanding produce Scotland is famous for.

“Centuries after his lifetime, Robert Burns remains Scotland’s most celebrated poet, and what better way to honour his legacy than by encouraging young people to explore their own creativity?

“We’re really looking forward to reading the poems from primary classes across the country and are excited to bring our first-ever Great Scottish Supper to a deserving school.”

As Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2024, Aldi continues to offer some of the best value deals on locally sourced Scottish food and drink.

For Burns Day, shoppers can pick up a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, including:

  • Specially Selected Wagyu Chieftain Haggis, £5.99, 908g
  • Frasers Vegetarian Haggis, £2.09, 454g
  • Upper Dysart Ladder Haggis ‘N’ Mash, £1.99, 400g
  • Cosmos Haggis Pizza, £3.25, 420g
  • Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis, £4.99, 454g
  • Simon Howie Haggis Truffles, £3.49, 500g
  • Simon Howie Sweet Chilli Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
  • Simon Howie Curried Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
  • Punjab Pakora Square Sausage Bites with spicy chili dip, £1.89, 200g
  • Punjab Pakora Iron Brew infused chicken pakora, £1.99, 200g
  • Bells Burns Supper Pie, £2.49, pack of two

Aldi’s diverse range of locally produced products are available at all of Aldi’s 112 Scottish stores. Available while stocks last.

Entries for the Great Scottish Supper open on 6 January, and will be accepted until Friday 23 January. The winning class will be contacted by January 30. 

The winner will receive a £100 Aldi voucher to cater for their celebrations, with the supermarket also arranging a bagpiper for the event.

 scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk. 

Lord Provost’s Burns Supper raises over £30,000 for the One City Trust

The OneCity Trust has received a Burns Night boost thanks to the Lord Provost’s annual fundraising supper which took place on Friday January 26.

The traditional Scottish dinner held at Prestonfield House raised a total of £30,500 in ticket sales and donations. This amount will be used by the OneCity Trust to support Scottish charitable organisations and constituted groups in their 2024 Main Grant Funding Programme which opens to applicants in March.

The funding theme for the coming year is ‘assisting people affected by the housing emergency’.

Over 200 guests attended the Lord Provost’s Burns Supper which featured an excellent array of entertainment. This included a rousing ‘Address to the Haggis’ from James Macsween (Managing Director of Macsween of Edinburgh – Haggis Producers) followed by a poignant and fascinating ‘Immortal Memory’ from Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, culminating in a boisterous ‘Toast tae the Lassies’ from Cameron Goodall and a hilarious ‘Reply fae the Lassies’ from comedian Janey Godley.

Guests were also treated to a musical rendition of Burns songs from multi-award-winning Scots musician Robyn Stapleton.



The Lord Provost and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge, said: “I’m delighted that the annual Burns Supper has raised much needed funds for the One City Trust which will be distributed as grants to projects across our city.

“As Lord Provost my duty is first and foremost to the people of Edinburgh and I am committed to helping them in any way that I am able. I look forward to seeing the One City Trust continue its work in the year ahead it is my sincere hope that we will be able to make a strong and lasting difference for our most vulnerable residents.

“I want to sincerely thank all colleagues involved in organising this year’s event, particularly James Thomson OBE and his staff at Prestonfield House, our Sponsors, Macsween of Edinburgh – Haggis Producers, Bentley Edinburgh, Whyte & Mackay, Tunnocks and Turkish Airlines. 

“My special thanks must go to all my guests for attending and supporting the event, and every single person who donated and took part in the fundraising activities, making the night such a resounding success.”

About the OneCity Trust:

The mission of the One City Trust is to fight inequality and exclusion in the City of Edinburgh. It is an independent charity which is uniquely linked to the city.

The Trust was established in 2003 in response to the One City report of the Lord Provost’s Commission on Social Exclusion. It uses the idea of a ‘community foundation’ to give people and organisations a means to reach across the divides of the city and support those who are excluded from the community. A permanent endowment was established with a donation from the City of Edinburgh Council, which the Trust has added to over the years, and continues to build.

In 2012 with the creation of the ‘Lord Provost’s Rapid Action Fund’ the Trust acquired the ability to raise funds specifically for the purpose of giving out grants (rather than rely solely on the interest from the Trust).

Further information on the 2024 Grants Programme, or to make a donation, go to the One City Trust website.

Is this the world’s most affordable and energy-efficient Burns Supper? 

With inflation sitting at over 9%, the traditional Burns Supper is set to cost consumers more this year, impacting everything from the cost of essential ingredients to energy to cook Scotland’s most famous meal. 

To help families enjoy a cost-effective and energy-efficient Burns Supper, on 25 January 2023, Scotland’s no.1 ready meal brand McIntosh has an inflation-busting homemade Haggis, Neeps & Tatties ‘heat and eat’ chilled meal for just £1.25 (RRP: £1.70).  

Ready to eat after just 4½ minutes in the microwave, McIntosh believes theirs is one of the cheapest, fastest and most energy-efficient chilled Burns Suppers on the planet! Perfect for those watching their wallets as well as the time-poor. 

Throughout January, McIntosh’s popular haggis meal will be available for the special price of £1.25 from leading retailers. At this cost, a family of four can enjoy a Burns Supper for less than a fiver or a single person can ‘hae meat’ and eat for less than a standard single bus fare in Scotland! 

Not only that, with meat and plant-based variations available, McIntosh’s single serve haggis ready meals make it easy for everyone to enjoy a Burns Supper this January, including vegetarians and those partaking in Veganuary! 

McIntosh has been making family-favourites to traditional Scottish recipes for 50 years in Forfar using locally sourced and home-grown ingredients as much as possible. With every meal cooked and chilled within one hour to lock in vital nutrients, consumers can be assured they pack a nutritious punch to boot! Each haggis meal packs in 15.6g of protein and 9.3g of fibre. 

Julie Nisbet, Managing Director of McIntosh says: “With inflation skyrocketing at over 9%, McIntosh wanted to ensure as many families as possible can enjoy a traditional Burns Supper and take part in the annual celebration of our beloved bard, Rabbie Burns. 

“Throughout January our popular Haggis, Neeps & Tatties ready meal is available for a budget-busting £1.25 making it perfect for the many trying to keep costs down amid rising food and energy costs. 

“You won’t find a cheaper, faster, tastier and more energy-efficient chilled haggis supper this January with a cooking time of just over four minutes!” 

McIntosh homemade chilled Haggis, Neeps & Tatties ready meals comprise homemade haggis, British neeps (AKA swede) and Scottish potato mash. Throughout January and ahead of Burns 2023, the haggis meal carries a special price of £1.25 (RRP: £1.70) while stocks last.  

This and other McIntosh family favourites are available at all major supermarkets and convenience stores across Scotland including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and SPAR.  

McIntosh Chilled Haggis, Neeps & Tatties just £1.25 for Burns Night 2023

Dram O’Shanter: Burns celebration at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to toast the Bard at a very special evening dedicated to all things Burns on 25 January 2023.

The team at Edinburgh’s most exciting whisky experience has created a night not to be missed in the venue’s rooftop Explorers’ Bothy Bar, including a Cranachan clarified milk punch, created exclusively for the evening.

Dram O’Shanter’s menu includes four very special whiskies, paired with creative canapes: 

  • Haggis donut served with a whisky sauce and a dram of Mortlach Special Releases 2022
  • Whisky cured Scottish salmon with beetroot crème fraîche on a Stornoway oatcake served with a dram of Caol Ila Distillers Edition
  • Arbroath Smokie vol-au-vent topped with caviar & crispy leek served with a dram of Talisker 18 Year Old
  • Blackthorn salted chocolate cup topped with candied orange served with a dram of Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 175th anniversary
  • Cranachan clarified milk punch cocktail to finish

Vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.

Attendees will also enjoy a number of live performances including Burns poems, songs and music as well as a contemporary Address to the Haggis as part of the night.

Dram O’Shanter takes place from 6-7.30pm on 25 -28 January 2023.

For more information and to book visit: 

https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/book-whisky-tasting/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=ds_jwps_burnsexperience_13012023#id=burns-whisky-tasting-experience

Staff embrace tech to stage virtual Burns Night at Cramond Residence

PENSIONERS at a local care home are set to celebrate Scotland’s most famous poet virtually with food and song thanks to dedicated care staff and the latest technology.

Staff at Cramond Residence have pulled out all the stops to create a virtual Burns Night to ensure residents did not miss out on celebrating the occasion with fellow friends at the home.

Lockdown restrictions and the current strain of Covid-19 led to Cramond Residence utilising its self-contained, small-group living units, which were built into the architectural designs, to help with infection control.

It means that while the residents at the 74-room care home remain separated by the 9 houses, they’ll be able to celebrate as one through video conferencing set up in each house. Every house has a comfy lounge with a private television for use by the small group of residents in it.

James McDiarmid, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-room care home in Edinburgh will pre-record an address to the haggis which will be shared and watched via a virtual link, before residents get a chance to raise a dram to the bard and catch up with their friends shielding at other parts of the home.

James said: “We are looking to make the best out of this situation and our home is really lucky to be able to continue facilitating the Burns Night celebration, as every resident has access to a tablet or television.

“The virtual Burns Night will offer something different for our residents and it is a wonderful safe way to bring everyone together.

“Staff at the home have had to think outside the box to make sure resident continue to have rich, stimulating group experiences and everyone has worked really hard to adapt the activities to a virtual setting.

“The staff are looking forward to the celebration just as much as the residents, I’m sure it will be a good laugh – especially since I’m kicking off the night with the address.”

Residents will celebrate the day with a poetry group discussion and a presentation of the history of Burns Night.

Every year Scots across the world celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, with Haggis, Irn Bru and Whisky normally consumed.

Cramond Residence’s catering team will serve the classic Burns Night menu with residents tucking into a starter of cook a leekie soup, followed by a main of haggis, neeps and tatties and for dessert it is cranachan or even a “wee dram”.

James added: “Events like these give the residents the chance to do something outside of their normal routine and everyone usually enjoys celebrating the patriotic event, albeit this year might be a bit different.

“We can’t wait to welcome family and friends back into the home to enjoy these events with our residents when it is safe to do so”.

Throughout lockdown the care home staff have been working with residents to help them become more comfortable with technology. Residents were encouraged to chat with loved ones over Skype and other video platforms, this has branched into individuals learning how to use an app called Pl@ntNet to identify what flowers are in the garden.

Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care combining luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1850 per week.

The home offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

News from Granton Community Gardeners

Dear All,

Happy New Year!

Bit stormy and there’s snow, so there’s not so much gardening going on at the moment, though drop-ins are still on every Tuesday and Saturday when the weather is reasonable (dry and not frozen or blowing a gale!)

You’re all invited to our Burns Night Community Ceilidh!  This has become a very popular regular annual event and this will be the 5th year.

BURNS NIGHT COMMUNITY CEILIDH

SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY. 5-9pm

ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

LIVE CEILIDH BAND AND OTHER PERFORMANCES FROM TALENTED LOCALS!

TICKETS £2. in advance only. (Volunteers, performers and under 5’s FREE) -tickets on sale from community centre reception.

Includes Food: Haggis Needs and Tatties (halal and veggie options available)

BYOB

We’ll need quite a few helpers at the event, especially in the teams setting up and decorating (it’s a big sports hall), and clearing everything up at the end.  Please give us a shout if you’d be up for helping!

Also if you’d like to perform a song/dance/poem/etc.  we have a few spaces available, either for traditional Scottish or other cultural performances. We know Granton has a lot of talent!   Let us know if so …

—

You’re also invited to our regular:

COMMUNITY MEALS

EVERY TUESDAY 5-7pm

GRANTON PARISH CHURCH HALL

(55 Boswall Parkway -entrance through gate on Wardierburn St East)

FREE -though help with washing up or donations are always welcome

ALL AGES WELCOME! (children with responsible adult)

We’ve been getting lots of good feedback on the food (thanks to our chef Jayne!) and it’s great to have somewhere warm to eat together.  We also make extra meals that can be taken away at the end for family/friends/neighbours, especially if you know someone who’d particularly appreciate it.

Hope you’re all well,

Tom