A beginner's guide to the Burns Supper
- S12E1
- 39:28
- January 21st 2026
Whether you’ve never been to an former Burns Supper or you’re a long-time aficionado who knows the Address to a Haggis by heart, there’s always something new to learn about Robert Burns and his work.
With Burns Night just a few days away, Jackie is joined by two of Scotland’s most prominent Burns experts to dissect the ceremonial aspects of the celebration, the history of its traditions, and the true meaning of his poetry.
Professor Gerry Carruthers is the Francis Hutcheson Chair of Scottish Literature at the University of Glsagow, while Chris Waddell is the Learning Manager of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which is run by the National Trust for Scotland.
You can find out more about the museum here. Or you can explore the Trust’s Burns Collection here.
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Love Scotland
Love Scotland is a podcast series from the National Trust for Scotland.
From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, the National Trust for Scotland cares for and protects some of Scotland's most significant places and spaces, allowing them to be enjoyed today while protecting them for future generations.
Hosted by TV star and expert broadcaster Jackie Bird, and featuring experts and enthusiasts from all walks of life, each episode delves deep into the detail of Scotland’s history, its wildlife and its landscapes.
You can find out more about the National Trust for Scotland's work and how to support them at http://www.nts.org.uk.
Love Scotland is produced by Think, Big Light and Demus Productions on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland.
Meet the Host
Scottish journalist and broadcaster, Jackie Bird is familiar to many Scots at home and abroad from her time as a BBC Reporting Scotland news anchor. She has been the host of BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay Live, as well Scotland’s Children in Need coverage, as well as a wide range of documentaries.
Jackie is passionate about the stories behind Scotland’s history and heritage, and she shares the National Trust for Scotland’s drive to bring a love of Scotland to life.