Perfect Burns Supper just a wee mouse click away!

With traditional Burns Suppers set to take place from Montrose to Moscow on 25 January, a new ebook produced by VisitScotland dispels the myth of the traditional haggis-hunt.

Available from 9 January 2015 on visitscotland.com, the national tourism organisation’s latest free ebook “Hold Your Own Burns Supper” describes where to buy haggis, and explains to those unaware that there is no need to head into the hills in search of the mythical beast.

For those wishing to try something new, the national tourism organisation is also offering new ways to try their haggis in a special modern recipes feature.

Every year, Scotland leads the celebration of the life and legacy of one of the world’s most famous literary figures, Robert Burns on what was his birthday – 25 January.

In order to target the many visitors and Scots who contact VisitScotland every year asking for information on how to properly host a Burns Supper, the guide offers hints and tips on everything from choosing the venue, what to wear, eat and drink, through to the running order, addressing the haggis and Auld Lang Syne.

The multimedia ebook is part of a wider VisitScotland campaign to capitalise on the celebrations of Scotland’s National Bard, who in 2009, was voted by television audiences as the greatest Scot of all time.

Alongside the ebook, an Essential Burns Supper Toolkit will allow people to download everything they need for their perfect Burns Supper, including invites, printable coasters, place mats, key recipes and more.

VisitScotland social media channels will also feature short videos with hints and tips on delivering the main Supper speeches and three videos will show people how to make classic Burns Supper recipes in just 15 seconds!

In addition a downloadable activity guide for schools teaching Burns will be sent out which features colouring sheets, word searches and art activities.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said:

“Last year we welcomed the world, and in 2015 as we take Scotland to the world, this campaign will not only show how to host the perfect Burns Supper, but it will also inspire people to celebrate the life and legacy of our National Bard.

“Building on the momentum from the Year of Homecoming, this year, the Year of Food and Drink, celebrates the role that food and drink plays in shaping our economic and tourism success. With Burns Night on 25 January, people across the globe will get together to celebrate Scotland’s incredible history, culture and natural larder.”

Dr David Hopes, Director of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum said:

“Since the poet’s death in 1796, visitors from across the world have come to Alloway in their millions to see for themselves where it all began for Burns. This is also where the tradition of remembering the poet began: the world’s first Burns Supper took place in the humble room where Burns was born less than 5 years after his death and is now celebrated internationally. The rise of Burns’ fame and the popularity of the Burns Supper is truly unparalled.”

Research shows that food is an integral part of the tourism experience and sampling traditional dishes and local produce is the second top activity undertaken by visitors to Scotland. The Year of Food and Drink will raise awareness of Scotland’s restaurants, hotels, food producers, B&Bs, takeaways, cafes and visitor attractions, and will further develop Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.

In November 2014, VisitScotland produced the popular ‘A-Z of Winter in Scotland’ online brochure, in June the ‘Your guide to Scotland’s epic Highland games’ guide and in July released ‘The Edinburgh Festivals Survival Guide’.

The ‘Hold your own Burns Supper’ ebook can be downloaded from www.visitscotland.com/burnssupper

More information on Robert Burns - http://www.visitscotland.com/about/robert-burns/