Celebrating Robert Burns in Royal Deeside

Beneath the watchful gaze of the Cairngorms, January 25th ignites a timeless Scottish tradition. It’s Burns Night, and the crisp Highland air vibrates with the spirit of Robert Burns – Scotland’s Bard, a man who painted landscapes with words and spun magic from the wind. 

Step into your cosy lodge, a haven carved from nature’s own heartwood. Crackling evening firelight from our wood burning stoves softens the mood whilst casting dancing shadows. Enjoy a dram as history hums alongside the scent of one of the local sourced whiskies from Royal Deeside’s favourite retail shops. George Strachan Ltd holder of a Royal Warrant in Ballater or Aboyne is well known for its wide range of Whiskies, Gins and Beers. Or maybe your relaxing with you new favourite dram, after your days tour visit of one or two of the regions must see and do Whisky Distilleries of the area.

Enjoy visiting & supporting the local businesses as you source your local Haggis. Choose from the award winning butchers of the area,  John Troups in Aboyne, HM Sheridans in Ballater and Banchory or Graeme Barber Butcher in Alford. Your Burns Night supper is nearly complete, simple put the finishing touches of mashed neeps, and tatties that burst with earthy delight and raise a toast to “the Bard”. 

As we celebrate the Birthday of Rabbie Burns, Scotlands National Poet D.O.B 25.01.1759, its true to say that this day is celebrated across the world. He saw the poetry in every gust of wind, every moss-covered stone, and even the scurrying steps of a field mouse.

 “To a Mouse,” he penned a verse that whispers across the centuries: 

…….But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane, 

In proving foresight may be vain:  

The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men, 

Gang aft agley,  

An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, 

For promis’d joy! …….

His famous words and noted line remind us of that life, like the snow-dusted trails that meander through the Cairngorms, rarely follows a straight path. Yet, in embracing the unexpected, we find a deeper connection to the land and each other.

At Cairngorm Lodges, we invite you to weave your own Burns Night tapestry. Savour a private feast in your cosy lodge, then maybe step out into the night and listen to nature all around. During our winter months why not come and explore the glens, feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots, and lose yourself in the magic of local folklore as you soak up the local villages and their community vibes and tales.

 

Explore the Spirit of Burns and for more Burns Night inspiration: 

Read the full poem “To a Mouse” in all its original glory: Robert Burns Poem -“To a Mouse”  Follow our destinations VisitAberdeenshire and VisitCairngorms for more Whats On in the area.