On Burns Night and Scottish Memories: A Q&A with Corinne

Each year on January 25th, Scots around the world gather to celebrate Burns Night, or Rabbie Burns Night, as it's affectionately known, honoring Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.

If you've ever sung "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight on New Year's Eve, you've already celebrated his work! Traditionally marked with poetry, song, good food, and even better company, it's a night rooted in fellowship and recitation.

In that spirit, we asked our founder, Corinne, to share a few of her favorite Scottish memories, tastes of home, and the traditions that still mean the most to her.

Do you have a favorite Burns Night memory?

My favorite Burns Night memory would be when my husband at the time and I were traveling to Inverness and pulled over for dinner at a lovely wee restaurant. I don’t recall the name, but we peeled off the A9 to get to it.

We ordered dinner, which included haggis on the menu. There were only a few of us dining when a lovely American stood up from his table and began reciting Address to a Haggis in a booming voice.

There were many toasts by candlelight, and the room was warmed with spontaneous friendships and whisky. It was pure joy and camaraderie.

Do you have a favorite recipe, or one your family loves?

Rumpledethumps or Toad in the Hole. Toad in the Hole was my kids’ favorite when they were wee. I think they liked the name.

There are loads of recipes online, but the basics are simple:

• Sausages, usually pork 

• Yorkshire pudding, a savory batter made from flour, eggs, and milk, which puffs up around the sausages as it bakes

• Gravy, with a rich onion gravy being the classic accompaniment

Find a recipe for Toad in the Hole here and Rumpledethumps here.

What are your favorite Scottish foods or sweets?

Any chocolate bought at a newsagent. Just normal Cadbury’s, but it tastes better there.

Indeed the original Cadbury’s recipe made in the UK is different than the version sold in the US, and yes, the taste difference is noticeable!

What places do you miss the most or visit first when you go back?

I love all of Edinburgh and love walking around like a local.

I always drive over the bridge from Inverness to the Black Isle and hoof around the wee villages and beaches there.

What items do you stock up on in Scotland to bring home with you?

Chocolate, as well as cosmetics and toiletries from Boots the Chemist.

Boots is a much-loved UK pharmacy chain, roughly the equivalent of a CVS or Walgreens, and a must-stop for many travelers.

Do you have a favorite Scottish offering at The Woolly Thistle?

That’s hard, but I love everything from the Shetlands.

Black Isle yarns were particularly close to my heart, though sadly that maker is no longer in business. We also love Scottish Yarn Festival yarns.

Shop Scottish Yarn Festival DK

Do you have a favorite Scottish poem or song?

Flower of Scotland is our national anthem, and it’s sung at the top of your lungs at many a football match and on a Saturday night in the toon.

Shop our collection of Wooden Postcards

Raising a Glass to Burns Night

It was a delight to hear from Corinne and to share in the memories, flavors, and traditions that still shape her connection to Scotland. 

If you’re marking Burns Night this year, it can be as simple or as festive as you like. A few ideas to get you started:

• Learn more about Burns Night and events from the Visit Scotland website here
• Take a Burns Night Quiz
• Read a poem by Robert Burns

• Put on Scottish music and sing along, confidently or otherwise

• Cook one of Corinne’s favorite recipes

• Pour a wee dram, or a cup of tea, and toast good company

• Cast on something new with wool that carries a sense of place

However you choose to celebrate, slàinte mhath—to your health and happiness. May your evening be filled with warmth, good humor, and fine company.