The 25th of January marks a special moment in the Scottish calendar. Celebrated annually by those of Scottish descent and beyond, Burns Night is a cherished tradition honouring the life and works of poet Robert Burns. It’s also a fascinating celebration full of time-honoured traditions including the ceremonial ‘addressing of the haggis’ and of course, renditions of Auld Lang Syne. The venue you choose to celebrate in can make all the difference. So here, we share our selection of the best Scottish venues to celebrate Burns Night – in style!
With historic castles, cosy inns, country estates with picture-perfect views, and lively city spots, Scotland boasts incredible locations aplenty.
For clients with Scottish founders or business roots in the country, a corporate Burns Night party can be a great rally call for the team. A chance to reconnect after the festive break, reignite, and re-motivate the team for the business year ahead.
And just in time for this year’s occasion, we’ve done our research to uncover some of Scotland’s finest venues. Read on for our guide to the best Scottish venues to celebrate Burns Night in style. Get ready for an unforgettable Burns Night experience.
BEST SCOTTISH VENUES TO CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT
Gleneagles, Perthshire
First in our collection of the best Scottish venues to celebrate Burns Night in style is arguably the most well-known of all the venues in Scotland. Certainly, amongst the golfing community. This magnificent countryside estate is often described as a “Riviera in the Highlands”. For an event, it offers grand ballrooms laden with dramatic period features alongside more intimate meeting spaces. An added bonus, it even has its own train station, to make your guests’ journey seamless.
The Caves, Edinburgh
A unique and extraordinary space, that forms part of the legendary Edinburgh Vaults, the caves is a wedding and events venue that will take your Burns Night celebration underground. With vaulted brick ceilings and a cool, edgy atmosphere it’s fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s premier event venues, hosting live music, fringe theatre, to club nights, and DJ sets.
Glenapp Castle, Girvan
We couldn’t do a guide to Scottish venues without an enchanting fairy-tale castle, and this property delivers on every front. Featured on BBC’s Amazing Hotels and winner of the Pride of Britain Hotel of the Year 2023, Glenapp Castle features a sprawling estate in
Ayrshire with a spectacular castle building, fine dining, and impeccable service. All of these combine to make your celebration unforgettable!
The Engine Works, Glasgow
A range of contemporary event spaces adds an industrial edge to the concept of a blank canvas. Tall sash windows, exposed brick and cast-iron columns, and staircases are defining features, alongside stunning views of the Glasgow skyline. There’s even a heated floor to warm your cockles on a cold January Burns Night.
The Torridon, Wester Ross
Situated in a place that adds a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘getting away from it all’, the Torridon is a venue that’s well and truly worth the journey. The venue may mean your Burns Night is a little quieter and more intimate than other spaces but why not stretch it out? Dine in style then stay a while and explore some of Scotland’s breath-taking scenery.
The Riverside Museum, Glasgow
A contemporary space is available at Glasgow’s multi-award-winning venue. The Riverside Museum is home to Glasgow’s world-class Transport and Technology Collection. It makes an ideal venue for corporate events such as private dinners, drinks receptions, or meetings. The Museum’s magnificent collection can also be enjoyed exclusively by guests attending a private evening event.
Elphinstone Hall, Aberdeen
A unique, beautiful, and historical venue at the University of Aberdeen is the baronial Elphinstone Hall, designed and built in 1930. Thanks to its size and flexibility, it is ideal for a wide selection of large events from dinner dances to business breakfasts, making it a perfect spot for a Burns Night gala celebration.
Borthwick Castle, Midlothian
An exclusive-use castle venue, beautifully preserved for events and private stays. Borthwick Castle offers tranquillity, opulence, and the quintessential Scottish castle experience. Superbly refurbished, the venue blends its medieval grandeur and atmosphere, with modern luxury. There are twelve uniquely designed guest suites with lavish bathrooms and luxurious reception rooms, welcoming up to 80 guests. Having planned events here, it is a personal favourite of the TLC team.
The Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa and Island
Finally, when looking for the best Scottish venues to celebrate Burns Night in style, why limit yourself to a venue, when you can choose an entire island? This five-star property comes with its own private island, making it feel a whole world away from the stresses and strains of modern life. Sure, your Burns’ Night may be smaller and a little more private with event spaces holding up to 60 guests, but with exclusive hire available your guests will feel truly special.
BURNS NIGHT EVENTS
If you prefer to attend an organised event and leave the stress behind, there are ample opportunities to choose from on Burns Night in Scotland. Here are just a few that we’ve cherry-picked:
The Chester Hotel
Warm yourself with a wee dram of whiskey on arrival before a Burns Night Supper with all the traditions at this popular Aberdeen Hotel. https://www.chester-hotel.com/events/
Royal Yacht Britannia
All aboard for a luxurious Burns Night with a difference. All of the traditions you would expect with the added experience of boarding and exploring Queen Elizabeth II’s floating palace. https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/exclusive-use/special-events/burns-supper/
Stirling Castle
Burns Night and all that gives visitors young and old the chance to learn what life was like during the times of Robert Burns. A fascinating insight and a chance to learn dances and traditions from the era, including how to address the haggis. https://www.whatsonstirling.co.uk/event/126679-burns-an%E2%80%99-a%E2%80%99-that/
BURNS NIGHT TRADITIONS
For those who would like to learn more about Scotland’s most famous holiday, here is a little insight into the traditions and history of Burns Night…
The Piping-In of the Guests
A Burns Night celebration will usually begin with a piper to welcome attendees. The sounds of traditional Scottish bagpipes will always set the tone for the evening to come.
The Selkirk Grace
Before the meal, a short but heartfelt grace known as the Selkirk Grace is recited, written of course by Burns himself.
Address to the Haggis
The highlight of the evening is the ceremonial presentation of the haggis. A piper leads the procession as the haggis is brought to the table. A designated speaker then recites Burns’ famous poem, Address to a Haggis, with theatrical flair.
The Meal
A Burns Supper typically features a hearty Scottish menu. Haggis is the centre-piece, accompanied by “neeps and tatties” (mashed turnips and potatoes). Try a Cullen Skink to start. A delicious smoked haddock chowder. Then to finish, a raspberry cranachan (cream, oatmeal, and raspberries laced with Drambuie). Or clootie dumpling, paired with fine whisky. Pair with a whisky cocktail – here are five of the best!
BURNS NIGHT FASHION
Finally, if you are unsure of what to wear to your Burns Night celebration. Let Tatler’s fashion guide steer you to what high society will undoubtedly adorn themselves with on this celebratory evening.