Celtic Nations Heritage Foundation

The first recorded Burns Supper was held on July 21st, 1801 in Alloway. Burn's cottage had been purchased and turned into an alehouse. Haggis was served, as well as sheep's head. People included at that first supper included nine patrons of Burns, people who knew and supported him during his life. There was a lady present at that supper, though after wards, the supper was an all male event until the 20th century. There were toasts and a speech, and the likely refreshments that were served was wine and ale. Whisky wouldn't become the fashon until much later in the events history.

 Until 1809, celebrations were held twice a year, until it was decided that January 25th, the Bard's birthday, should be the date of the offical celebration. Many traditions have sprung up in the two centuries since his death. The Celtic Nations is proud to continue the tradition, and holds a yearly supper around the 25th of January. In the  two years since reviving the supper, the event has proven to be successful and enjoyable to all participants. Since Burns was a man of the people, we choose to soften the formalitiy of the event some. Patrons at the event are asked to read from his works, thereby including the entire group in celebration of the man who helped define what it means to be Scottish.