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Burns Night Dress
Burns Night celebrates the life and work of Scotland’s national bard, 18th century poet Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. Taking place every year, on or around, January 25th, it is an occasion that is steeped in tradition and is widely celebrated throughout the country and around the world. This day is always celebrated with a Burns supper on or near the 25th of January.
What to Wear to a Burns Supper?
A Burns Supper can be as grand an event as you would like. Many friends simply gather informally, others host great feasts in large halls.
Ladies – Highland Dress
Formal Highland Dress for ladies is simpler, usually consisting of a full-length tartan skirt. In Clan Tartan, a universal tartan, or to match your partners kilt, if appropriate. The skirt is worn with a blouse and perhaps a matching tartan sash, held with a Clan brooch.
If you are attending a formal dinner they might have a black tie dress code. At such an affair, the men certainly break the kilt out of the closet. Or otherwise tartan trews with a dinner jacket and cummerbund.
For ladies, a great way to add a touch of tartan to your already superb evening dress is with a stole or sash in a complimentary tartan. Maybe you even have a tartan evening dress or hostess skirt. Both are ideal for Burns Suppers.
If you don’t have connections to any of the major Scottish Clans or families, don’t worry, you can wear one of the universal tartans, such as the Royal Stewart, Black Watch, Flower of Scotland, Patriot or Caledonia, these designs can be worn and enjoyed by anyone.
The great thing about tartan is that is is so versatile. Wearing a jumper with a kilt is very casual.
Informal Burns Supper
Tartan is still very much the order of the day. How much or how little you wear is entirely up to you, however it’s considered good manners to show a touch of tartan, even if this is just a tartan ribbon pinned to your chest, or lapel.
Food is an integral part of any Burns Night celebration. Most suppers start with Cock-a-leekie soup or Scotch broth, then it’s the haggis which is traditionally accompanied by bashed neeps and chappit tatties – otherwise known as mashed swedes and potatoes. This is followed by a pudding of either Clootie Dumpling, Cranachan or Tipsy Laird. The supper ends with a cheese board and oat cakes or bannocks.
Whatever you choose to wear to your Burns Supper enjoy your haggis, whisky, and have a lovely time.
