The poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) is Scotland's most famous scribe, inspiring great pride among Scots with poems such as Tam O'Shanter and My Luve is Like a Red, Red Rose. And even though Burns passed away more than 200 years ago, his birthday is celebrated every January 25th at libraries, restaurants, pubs, and castles throughout the country. Burns Night, as it is now known, is an evening of readings, lectures, toasts, and special Burns Suppers that honor the great writer and his work. Guests at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh will find plenty of Burns Night festivities at the pubs along the Royal Mile and narrow streets of the Old Town, but to really celebrate it in style, make a reservation for the special Burns Night 2008 gala at Stirling Castle, less than an hour away from the hotel.

The evening begins when a piper welcomes guests to a drinks reception in the Chapel Royal, with background music provided by a harp and flute duo. Dinner in the Great Hall features traditional Burns Night fare such as neeps (mashed turnips), tatties (potatoes), and, of course, haggis. What's haggis? Well, the short answer is lamb's offal (lungs, liver, and heart) minced with herbs and spices and packed into a sheep's stomach and cooked. Sure, it sounds strange, but it's also Scotland's best-known dish, and one that Burns himself celebrated in his famous Address to a Haggis. But don't worry, if the idea of eating haggis doesn't appeal to you, they also serve delicious fillet of Scottish beef and other fine cuisine. Due to popular demand, Burns Night at Stirling Castle will be celebrated on two consecutive nights, January 24 and 25, so make reservations now for this interesting event. It's a great way to welcome in the new year, especially considering that Burns wrote the classic New Year's song Auld Land Syne.

[image via National Library of Scotland]