25 January is known worldwide as Burns Night, the birthday of Scotland’s bard Robert Burns. Now music fans can get into the celebrations with a special Burns inspired playlist, launching on all streaming platforms.

Burns Night party © VisitScotland

Warner Music Group (WMG) has teamed up with VisitScotland to launch a playlist celebrating Scottish music as the perfect soundtrack to any Burns Night party, offering a modern twist on a traditional celebration.

The new playlist, entitled VisitScotland Presents: Burns Night Party, is available from Tuesday 23 January and features tracks from artists such as Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Paolo Nutini, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Proclaimers, and Ultravox. It will be regularly updated to ensure that it remains an unrivalled go-to destination for fans of Scottish music.

The playlist is designed to bring together some of the greatest hits ever recorded by Scottish artists, as well as deeper catalogue cuts to appeal to all tastes in music.

Tim Fraser-Harding, President, Global Catalogue, Recorded Music, WMG, said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with VisitScotland to present the definitive Scottish playlist ahead of this year’s Burns Night celebrations. Scotland has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing amazing artists and magical music.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “The words of Robert Burns have touched the hearts and minds of people the world over and Burns Night continues to be a global celebration of Scottish culture. We’re delighted to be working with Warner Music on this exciting playlist which captures many of the traits associated with our national Bard - creativity, pride and confidence, blending modern Scotland with our traditional heritage. So whether you are hosting your own Burns Supper or attending many of the fantastic events taking place all over the world – this playlist is the perfect accompaniment to any Burns festivities.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: "Burns Night is one of Scotland's greatest celebrations, marked all over the world on the bard's birthday. A trip to Scotland at this time of year wouldn't be complete without the fun and tradition of a Burns Night supper and the opportunity to raise a glass to this national hero!"

Celebrated annually on Robert Burns’ birthday, 25 January, Burns Night gathers Scots and Scots-at-heart to pay tribute to the great poet’s life and works. The occasion is marked by a major programme of festivities across Scotland.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Scotland, taking in a traditional Burns Night supper if you're there on 25 January, please do contact our friendly team.

 What is Burns Night?

Burns Night is when whisky is poured, haggis is eaten and Burns’ poetry is recited!

The first Burns supper was held in July 1801 when nine of Burns’ close friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Taking place at Burns Cottage in Alloway, the night included a tasty meal (haggis, of course!), performances of Burns’ work and a speech in honour of the great Bard (now known as the Immortal Memory). The night was such a resounding success they decided to hold it again beginning the tradition still enjoyed to this day.

To start – everyone gathers, the host says a few words, everyone sits and the Selkirk Grace is said.

The meal – the starter is served, the haggis is piped in, the host performs Address to a Haggis, everyone toasts the haggis and the main meal is served, followed by dessert.

After the meal – the first Burns recital is performed, the Immortal Memory (the main tribute speech to Burns) is given, the second Burns recital is performed, and then there’s a Toast to the Lassies, followed by a Reply to the Toast to the Lassies, before the final Burns recital is performed.

To end the night – the host gives a vote of thanks, everyone stands and sings Auld Lang Syne, crossing their arms and joining hands at the line ‘And there's a hand, my trusty fere!’.