Robert Burns was the poet who used Scottish dialect at a time when this was frowned upon in genteel society. Now he is the much loved National Bard, and Scotsmen everywhere celebrate his life and work on the anniversary of his birth in 1759. Traditionally this takes the form of a Burns' Night supper, an evening meal where Burn's poetry ('To a Haggis', 'Tam O'Shanter' etc) is recited and haggis consumed. Champit tatties (mashed potatoes) and bashed neeps (mashed swede) are also on the menu. Restaurants and hotel dining rooms tend to become heavily booked for Burns' Night and there is often dancing after the supper.

Times
Various.