Normally, a piper would herald the arrival of the haggis but seeing as how it will be unlikely you’ll have one to hand, we will treat you to a tune by one of our own great pipe bands Finvoy, seen here at Glenarm Castle competing in the Co. Antrim Championships

Traditionally, a classic Burns Supper would feature begin with a starter perhaps a warming bowl of cock-a-leekie soup or Cullen skink  a classic Scottish smoked fish soup with velvety leeks and potato. Others prefer fresh Scottish smoke salmon followed by a main of haggis, neeps (mashed turnip) and tatties(mashed potatoes). Together they are known as Clapshot, a hearty Scottish dish. Serve alongside haggis, stews or roasted meats for a warming winter’s meal. 

You can use the haggis as stuffing for beef or chicken. Balmoral chicken, also known as; Chicken Balmoral or even Highland Chicken. Balmoral chicken a dish made with a chicken breast slit open on one side to create a pocket which is then stuffed with haggis. The chicken is then wrapped in bacon and lightly browned before being cooked through in the oven.

Finally for desert –Cranachan, sweet raspberries folded into cream flavoured with honey,  and toasted oatmeal – what could be more delicious? Traditionalists may call for Clootie Dumpling (a pudding prepared in a linen cloth or cloot) or Typsy Laird (a Scottish sherry trifle); and if you have any room left  a Cheeseboard with bannocks (oatcakes) and tea/coffee.

The keynote speaker takes the stage to deliver a spell-binding oratoration on the life of Robert Burns: his literary genius, his politics, his highs and lows, his human frailty and – most importantly – his beliefs. The speech must strike the right note between serious intent and a nod to the wit and humour of the man himself, painting a colourful picture of Scotland’s beloved Bard.

As Orangemen we are no stranger to the Tradition of Toasting the Immortal Memory of the King whose name we bear. This was a great tradition where Kings and other folk heroes were toasted and memorialised and it is a tradition preserved in Burns Nights and Orange toasts. At times when our parades and public expressions were banned the Orange Order met at private dinners and toasts were a central feature of these.

Before the days of internet, or when books were an expensive luxury these occasions were the best way for history to be studied and the memory of a man or event passed down to future generations and kept alive. It is a skill we would like to keep alive, where each year one of our number takes the time to read and research then present what they have found publicly. We have included a guide from a Burn expert to help you.

A fitting theme for the talk would be Burns – A Man O’ Independent Mind, perhaps a look at what he would make of current affairs like Scottish Independence or BREXIT; or how his words and feelings still strike a chord with Independent Orangemen today.

The speaker concludes with a heart-felt toast: To the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns!

The humorous highlight of any Burns Night comes in this toast, which is designed to praise the role of women in the world today. This is done by selective quotation from Burns’s works and with reference to those present it makes for a more meaningful toast. Its well known that Burns was a great romantic and his adventures with the lassies got him into his own fairy share of trouble.

The toast is usually done for us by our friends Gary and Anne Blair, who provide the best toast and response with one not being outdone by the other. The crack and banterof the nights at Garryduff show the value of a great host and behind every great man is a better woman, of so Anne will tell you. 

Revenge for the women present as they get their chance to reply. After a few witty observations but the earlier toaster it is time for pay back and there are plenty of wise and witty women in our ranks who can give as good as they take. So while we are all at home this year let us raise a glass to the women of the ILOI who add a certain style to our parades and events each year.

We love to work some of that haggis off with a traditional Scottish Ceildh. While you might not be able to make the space you need at home why don’t you at least get you foot tapping to some of the great music we normally dance to.