Who was Robert Burns anyway?

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!”

On “Hogmanay” (the Scottish term for New Year’s Eve) it is a tradition to join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight. Literally translating to “Times gone by”, the song has become a staple folk-song around the world, widly encouraging notions of ‘endings’ and ‘new beginnings’.  Whether a graduation, a birth, a loss or parting farwell – the lyrics have transcended from traditoinal Scottish folklore to a globally recognized tune. But we’re willing to bet most folks couldn’t tell ya who actually wrote the tune…

Robert Burns is the man behind the infamous tune, and arguably, Scotland’s most reputable and prized poet of all-time. Named Scotland’s National Bard (poet), Burns’ unique, and sometimes radical style distinguished him from other poets, and he still continues to influence Scottish Literature to this day. Thus is would only be fitting that Burns had a holiday named after him. Whether its called Robert Burns Day or Burns Supper – the evening of January 25th (sometimes the 26th) is dedicated to the famous lyricist through ritual recitations of his work, over a celebratory feast.

This year, we invite you to join us in experiencing the tradition behind this dinner. An authentic Robert Burns Dinner will take place on January 26th from 6-11PM at Northwood Hall. Tickets are $40 dollars a person and include an evening of fine dining, a silent auction and celtic entertainment. For more information, please contact info@bhga.org

On January 25th, here at Boundary Bay Brewery, we’ll be tapping a special keg of our Highland Reserve Scotch Ale that we set aside specially for this day.  Join us in a toast dedicated to the great works of Mr. Burns – and have yourself a glass of this deliciously aged brew. We have just ONE keg (120 pints) so it will only be on tap for one evening in commemoration of Mr. Burns. Click the picture (on the left) to read the description of our Highland Reserve Scotch Ale!