Chieftain o' the Puddin' Race

The Haggis Feast, George Alexander Fraser, 1840

Burns Night

Jan 25

Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day

Burns Night

Chieftain o' the Puddin' Race

Burns Night

Burns Night Theme Collection

Burns Night

The Haggis Thrash

Today's Musings, History & Folklore

"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy o' a grace
As lang's my arm."

~ Address to a Haggis, Robert Burns, 1786

Don't be rude to your haggis! Address it with the respect it deserves, for this humble dish is both nourishing and steeped in tradition as we celebrate Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns. Inspired by the revelry of countless Burns Suppers, this 32-bar strathspey is an excellent choice for introducing reels of three. It even includes a circulating allemande with which you can make use o your "lang arms", offering a relaxed pace to digest all the traditional dishes—including "you know who!"

Crafted from suet, spices, onions, oatmeal, and a sheep’s pluck—heart, liver, and lungs—boiled within a sheep’s stomach, the haggis has sparked spirited debate among food historians over its origins. Yet, despite its contested history, this dish remains undeniably and proudly Scottish, cherished not only for its regional ingredients but also for the good humor and reverence it inspires.

Other variations, though less renowned, include Sweden’s Pölsa, Norway’s Hakkemat, Russia’s Niania, and Aragon’s Chireta. But tonight marks the end of Haggis Hunting season, so if you’ve been fortunate enough to catch one for your toasts and feasts, be sure to honor its plump, sonsie face with celebratory zeal—and perhaps this tribute dance! After all, it’s “offaly” delightful. To the haggis! 🤪 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🥃

Also known as Rabbie Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire and various other names and epithets, Robert Burns, Scottish poet and lyricist, is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. His birthday is celebrated worldwide.

For some wonderful documentaries on the life and works of Robert Burns, click the videos below.

There are dozens of Scottish Country Dances devoted to his life and works. For an entire Burns Supper, in Scottish Country Dance form, click here.

And for a look at the haggis in art, click the illustration below:' Grand Burns' Festival. - Brown Entertains his Friend wi' a Haggis!', 1859, Punch, or the London Charivari, February 5, 1859.

Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!