I am really looking forward to Burns Night on Saturday. Haggis, neeps, and tatties is one of my all time favourite meals! And I'll be dancing the night away at a ceilidh on Friday night to get in the spirit of things.
For anyone not Scottish, Burns Night can seem a little bizarre - we recite incomprehensible poetry very loudly, eat loads of mashed food, drink whiskey, dance like hooligans, and stab inanimate objects. But it is fun. I promise!
And there are loads of things happening in Edinburgh to celebrate our national poet. The Scottish Storytelling Centre has a range of things planned from a proper Burns dinner, to plays, to stories, to music. Check it out here. The Scottish Malt Whisky Society are refusing to be outdone and are throwing a traditional three course Scottish meal complete with pipers and, obviously, whisky. Tickets £39 by phone (0131 555 2929). There are also suppers over at Prestonfield House Hotel in aid of Prostate Scotland on the 23rd and at St Columba's Hospice on the 24th. The latter has a comedic theme with some of Scotland's comic talent lining up to keep the crowds entertained with various recitals while Slanj band featuring Skerryvore will be playing some rocked up ceilidh music to keep you on your feet. Tickets £49 or VIP £65.
Following on from their success last year Annasach ceilidh band are throwing a more traditional party at The Counting House (once host to the bard himself!). Those new to ceilidh dancing needn't worry either as Trisha will be calling the dances to keep everyone right. Tickets are £14 (conc. £12) and available online or on the door. The Ghillie Dhu have a fair few events for kids and grown ups. You can have a look at those here.
For a more complete list of everything going on glance over this page.
Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thanket.
Slainte Mhath!