What better time of the year than Burns Night coming up this weekend to take a Highlands holiday and celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s National Bard? Yes that’s right, a holiday up North may be just what you need; new scenery, national celebrations and more. There’s no better time for your mid-January vacation. January 25th marks the annual celebration of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns, with a dinner being the main part of the celebrations, you can choose from a range of events being held within Edinburgh to hosting your own.
Burns Night promises to be one hell of a Scottish soiree. It is of course in honour of their most talented national, who represented everything that was Scottish not only in his time own but also in present day, as a prolific poet who wrote about everyday life using a Scottish vernacular that was already under threat from English in his own lifetime. What may make Burns Night so much more special this year, is the hope that some carry with Scotland getting to vote for independence this year, possibly giving Burns Night a new significance. Nonetheless head over to Edinburgh for some ultra-Scottish celebrations this January.
Looking for an entertaining, historic and fabulously celebratory experience, head over to the Storytelling Centre for Supper with the Burns, it’s an alternative style supper to the traditional one, but you are unlikely to be disappointed. Hosted by storytellers David Campbell and Linda Bandelier, with clarsach player Katie Harrigan, expect Burns stories, songs and folklore accompanied by a delicious 3-course Scottish dinner – with the centre-piece Haggis.
If you want more glamour and grandeur however, make your way over to Prestonfield’s House, which offers a star-studded evening of traditional - and some not so traditional - Burns Night entertainment, with fine food, in Prestonfield's spectacular setting and the best part is if you end up having a bit too much fun you can always crash upstairs in one of their luxurious suites. With gorgeous views over Prestonfield’s secluded gardens and parkland to Edinburgh’s iconic hill you can relax in absolute serenity after enjoying Burn’s Night. With rooms that are oh-so-undeniably unique with a touch of romance they elegantly weave in very traditional Scottish décor elements with a modern touch – true grandeur indeed, and with an array of modern amenities at hand, it is unlikely that you’ll want to leave again!
Not quite ready to leave Edinburgh yet? Well worry not. Get your tourist shoes on and explore the splendour that is Edinburgh from their rolling hills, extinct volcanoes to their cobbley twisty windy streets and their historic buildings. See the world turned upside down at the city's first visitor attraction, the Camera Obscura & the World of Illusion, which promises to be thrilling and somewhat eye opening. Or maybe visit the city’s extinct volcano and climb Arthur’s Seat, the tallest of Edinburgh’s seven hills. Admittedly it’s a total workout but also expedition with educational possibilities as you can pop into the museum Our Dynamic Earth, which has all the information on how the landmark was formed.
After all your touristy sightseeing and soaking in of Scottish culture and tradition, head on home and make sure you share all your holiday snaps with friends and family, unless of course you want to keep the idyllic city a little secret #wishyouwerehere
