Every year on January 25th, the air is filled with the sound of bagpipes, the scent of haggis, and the rhythmic verses of Scotland’s favourite son, Robert Burns. While Burns Night is a cornerstone of Scottish culture, its celebration resonates far beyond the borders of Scotland, offering a moment for us all to reflect on the values of equality, community, and the human spirit.
At Prostart, we believe that observing cultural traditions like Burns Night is a fantastic way to engage with British Values, particularly the promotion of mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.
Who Was Robert Burns?
Born in 1759, Robert “Rabbie” Burns was a poet and lyricist whose work captured the essence of the common man. Often referred to as the “Ploughman Poet,” he wrote in the Scots language and a light Scots dialect, making literature accessible to everyone, regardless of their social standing.
His most famous work, Auld Lang Syne, is sung across the globe to ring in the New Year, serving as a universal anthem for remembrance and looking toward the future—a theme that feels especially relevant to our apprentices as they navigate their own career journeys.
Why We Celebrate Him Today
Burns was more than just a poet; he was a pioneer of social commentary. His poems, such as “A Man’s a Man for A’ That,” championed the idea that a person’s worth is defined by their character and integrity, not by their wealth or titles.
This message aligns perfectly with the Equality and Diversity principles we uphold at Prostart. In our learning environment, just as in Burns’ poetry, it is your hard work, your growth, and your contribution to your workplace that define your success.
How to Hold Your Own “Burns Supper”
Whether you’re in Nottingham, Long Eaton, or further afield, you can join in the festivities. A traditional Burns Supper follows a specific (and often very fun) order:
- The Piping in of the Guests: Traditionally accompanied by bagpipes.
- The Selkirk Grace: A short but powerful prayer of thanks for the food.
- Address to a Haggis: The star of the show! The haggis is brought in and a poem is recited to it before it is sliced open.
- The Immortal Memory: A speech commemorating the life and work of Burns.
- Auld Lang Syne: Everyone joins hands to sing the famous song of friendship.
Learning from the Bard
As we celebrate Burns Night 2026, we encourage our learners to take inspiration from his resilience. Burns faced many hardships throughout his short life, yet he never stopped creating and advocating for a fairer society.
As you work through your January modules or prepare for your next workplace review, remember his words: “But to see her was to love her, / And love but her for ever.” While he was writing about a person, we can apply that same passion to our chosen careers—find what you love to do, and pursue it with everything you’ve got.
Happy Burns Night to all our staff, employers, and learners!