Burns Night

  • A Truly Authentic Burns Night in Bournemouth —
  • This is a Black Tie Event
  • Please note: We have a special floor for dancing and to protect it we must ask ladies not to wear high heels or stiletto shoes. Thank You.
Robert Burns

Interested in trying out a truly authentic Burns Night? … then come and join us on Thursday, 22nd January 2026 arrive by 6.30pm for 7pm.
You’ll hear the sound of the pipes as kilts swirl and Scottish tartans come to the fore….. and you’ll never forget your first taste of haggis!
Also you can try a touch of easy Scottish Country dancing and hear a bit about Robert Burns. 

The 267th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, is being celebrated with a Dinner in authentic style.
We plan an entertaining and remarkable night at the Society’s Scottish Hall and all are invited.
We have organised this annual event for more than a 100 years and really know how to celebrate Burns.
So come and let yourself be immersed in the traditions of a Burns Night

updated 2/2/2025

What to expect

The Piping In – hear the sounds of the pipes as the delicious haggis arrives and is addressed.  The dramatic plunging of a skein dhu (knife) into the haggis with a formal Scottish address

President and Vice President, Iain Campbell and Maisie Muir
Stuart Burns and Martin pipes in ‘Poosie Nansie’ (Veronica) and the Haggis
Charlie plunges the Skein Dhu into the Haggis

The Meal —  including traditional and delicious haggis with neeps (turnip) and tatties (potatoes).

The Main Speech of the Evening —  ‘The Immortal Memory’ will provide an insight into the life of Robert Burns.

Top Table – President, Iain Campbell and guests
The Immortal Memory – Martin Axton
Maisie and Marion present the flowers
Master of Ceremonies – Charles Robertson

Toast to the Lassies – A light hearted speech celebrating the Lassies.

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Top table with Iain and guests

Reply to the Laddies – The Lassies response. Scottish songs. Bagpiping – our own Piper will play during the evening

Valerie Campbell gives the Response on behalf of the Lassies
Janette Martindill, President of the South Dorset Caledonian Society
Pipers: Stuart Burns joined by Martin.
Raffle Draw with Charlie and Jacqui
Jenny wins a raffle prize
Norah reads a poem

.To Finish – Easy Scottish and English dancing that you will love.

Alex coordinates and Calls the Dances
Phil is the sound technician for the evening
Coffee time – Veronica with Ceinwyn

Photographs taken by Paul Woods on 26th January 2023

Note from Website editor: If you feature in any of the images and would prefer not to have that image included below, please speak to Morag or use the Contact Us page to get in touch with us.

When: Thursday 22nd January 2026

6.30pm for 7pm

Where: The Scottish Hall, 80 Shelbourne Road, Bournemouth BH8 8QZ

Tickets: Tickets need to be purchased in advance from our treasurer, Robin Searle. Price £26
E: robin.marion@btinternet.com T: 01425 477813
This is a Black Tie Event.

updated 2/2/25