The 25th day of January belongs to Robbie Burns, poet and author of some of Scotland's finest verse, the best known probably being ‘Auld Lang Syne’, The anniversary of his birth in 1759 is remembered with Burns Night celebrations around the world, in effect a second Scottish national day that is more widely observed than the official Saint Andrew's Day.

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns which may be formal or informal, the common factors being haggis, scotch whiskey and a poem or two.

The highlight of the real life formal dinner is the entrance of the main course. The haggis is brought in by the cook on a large dish, while a piper plays bagpipes and leads the way to the host's table. The Burns poem ‘Address to a haggis’ is recited and the host cuts open the haggis for serving before proposing a toast to it.

The Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish containing sheep's heart, liver and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and wrapped in the animal's stomach. It is cooked for about three hours.

In second life there are both formal and informal celebrations being held, some with the full haggis ceremony and others just readings of Burns poems. Scottish and Irish themed regions holding events include the followimg and are worth visiting at any time:

Scottish Highlands (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Inverness%20City/54/130/22),

Eilen Dornan Castle (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eilean%20Donan/99/28/28),

West of Ireland (http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/94/113/25)