There is nowhere better to celebrate the National Bard, Rabbie Burns, than in Edinburgh where he lived and worked.
Visit the Writers’ Museum located in Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century townhouse halfway up the Mound to find out more about Robert Burns, the poet and the man. There, in the free museum, you will find portraits, rare books and personal objects, including Burns’ writing desk. There’s also a plaster cast of Robert Burns’ skull, one of only three which were made.
Find out more here on the Writers’ Museum website.
At the Georgian House in Charlotte Square – The Burns Project
The specially commissioned theatre work, The Burns Project, was written and will be performed by James Clements, with accompaniment of music from the acclaimed instrumentalist, Lisa Rigby.
Premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 at the National Trust for Scotland’s Georgian House, Edinburgh and directed by the multi-award-winning Cora Bissett, The Burns Project was created in collaboration with the Trust.
Clements pieces together rarely-before-seen writings and recently digitised archival material belonging to The Bard to conjure a complex, irreverent, and honest portrait of a seminal Scottish literary figure.
Seeking to refresh and expand on existing personifications and representations of the poet, The Burns Project brings to life the image of a man full of complexities and contradictions, capable of both deep love and callousness, of great progressiveness and political inconsistencies. It is a story of a man with high ideals, who sometimes fell short of them, with layers of intrigue and mystery – it is the story of an icon, and the story of us all.
The Georgian House, Edinburgh – 17 – 25 January, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 7.30pm
There are Burns Suppers at many restaurants in and around the capital. Here is our top five:
At The Leddie – enjoy a Balvenie paired meal
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady is celebrating Burn’s Night in true Scottish style on 23 January, with a one-night-only themed supper in partnership with The Balvenie, Speyside’s award-winning single malt whisky distillery.
Honouring Scottish heritage, food and whisky in a relaxed and welcoming setting, the evening begins with a traditional piper welcome and a Balvenie cocktail on arrival, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable celebration.
A four-course dinner then unfolds as a guided experience, with each dish thoughtfully paired with a Balvenie single malt. Head Chef Lewis Lane will showcase the best of seasonal Scottish produce, including North Sea hake to start, followed by traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, a Scottish cheese course and dark chocolate tart to finish.
Guiding guests through the evening will be Sean Fennelly, The Balvenie’s UK Brand Ambassador, sharing insight into the craft behind each dram. The night will also feature the Address to the Haggis, led in traditional style, with the piper returning to mark key moments of the celebration.
The evening concludes with a final dram, rounding off a Burns Night that celebrates Scotland’s rich culinary and whisky heritage, best enjoyed with good company and, for those who wish, an overnight stay.
Robert Clark, General Manager at The Leddie Hotel, said: “Burns Night is such an important date in the Scottish calendar, and we wanted to create an experience that feels both authentic and special. Partnering with The Balvenie allows us to celebrate great Scottish food, whisky and hospitality in a way that’s immersive, welcoming and memorable. We’d encourage guests to make a night of it and stay over to fully enjoy the occasion.”
The Burns Night supper is priced at £70 per person, including four courses and matched whiskies. A vegetarian option is available. Advance booking is recommended, with overnight stays available for those wishing to extend the celebration. Limited places available. Book via the website www.theleddie.com.
THE BALVENIE BURNS SUPPER
- STARTER
- North Sea hake
confit leeks, potato mousse, smoked buttermilk sauce - MAIN
- Haggis, neeps & tatties
smoked haggis croquette, potato & parsley terrine, pickled turnip, whisky jus - CHEESE
- Heather honey cake
Strathdon blue cheese, poached pear, pickled walnuts - DESSERT
- Dark chocolate tart
malt whisky caramel, oat & spelt granola, toasted barley ice cream
At Tolbooth Tavern
Celebrate Rabbie Burns Week at Tolbooth Tavern ending with a full day event on 25 January.
Edinburgh’s historic Tolbooth Tavern, nestled on the Royal Mile, is proud to host a week-long celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, culminating in a spectacular full-day event on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Throughout the week, guests can enjoy our exclusive Burns Trio of Tasters for £15pp.
• Haggis Stack – traditional haggis layered with neeps and tatties
• Haggis Bon Bons – crisp and golden, served with a rich whisky cream
• A Local Dram of Glenkinchie Whisky – the perfect toast to the Bard
On 25 January, enjoy a day of Scottish tradition which will include:
Welcome piper
Traditional 3-Course Burns Supper featuring Cullen Skink, MacSween’s Haggis with neeps and tatties, and a sweet finale
Address to the Haggis ceremony with a dram of Dalmore 12-Year-Old whisky
Multiple dining slots available to suit your schedule
Tickets: £42.50 per person (includes 3-course meal, entertainment, and whisky toast).
Reservations here – tolboothtavern.co.uk
At Lost Close on The Royal Mile
This January, 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 and 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
At Duck and Waffle St James Quarter
| 25 January | 5:00pm – 9:00pm3-courses £35pp | £20pp whisky pairing |
| Raise a glass to Rabbie Burns at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh with a one-night celebration that blends Scottish tradition with our signature flair. Enjoy a specially curated set menu, thoughtfully paired whiskies in partnership with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and the unmistakable sound of live bagpipers setting the tone for the evening. From the first dram to the final course, expect bold flavours, warm hospitality, and a night designed for proper toasting. Join us for a Burns Night that’s proudly Scottish—with a Duck & Waffle twist. |
On board Fingal and Britannia
Celebrate Burns’ birthday and experience a Burns Supper to remember aboard the former Royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II, The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Welcomed aboard Fingal Hotel for your overnight stay, where your cabin awaits to relax and dress for the evening ahead, with the Royal Yacht just a short distance away.
Board Britannia by walking up the red carpet to first of all enjoy a tour of the yacht, and then savour a five-course dinner served in the State Dining Room complete with Scottish music and a rendition of the “Address to a Haggis”. End the evening with a whisky tasting before returning back to Fingal Hotel to your cabin for an overnight stay.
After booking your tickets to attend the Burns Supper aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, a special 10% rate reduction is available on accommodation aboard Fingal.
To book your stay on Fingal, call the Reservations team on +44 (0)131 357 5000 or email [email protected]
