After a few words of welcome the meal starts with the Selkirk Grace. The company is then asked to stand to receive the haggis.

A piper leads the chef, carrying the haggis, to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap.

The chairman, or invited guest, then recites Burns' poem To A Haggis. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife.

The company applauds and stands to toast the haggis with a glass of whisky before tucking into a traditional Burns' Supper menu.

The Immortal Memory: A invited guest gives a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today.

Toast To The Lasses: The main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally, this was a thank-you for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in Burns' life. The tone should be witty, never offensive, and should always end on a concilliatory note.

Response: The turn of the women to detail men's foibles. Again, humorous without being insulting.

Poem and Songs: Once the speeches are complete the evening continues with songs and poems. These should be a good variety to fully show the different moods of Burns' muse.

The evening ends with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne.