By Jennifer Hill

At the Ceilidh after this year’s Robert Burns supper, tradition will get a distinctly Canadian twist with the return of a crowd favourite: Haggis Poutine. It will be a hearty meeting of Scotland’s iconic haggis with crispy fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy.

I found myself wondering what Robert Burns himself might have made of such a dish. While I enjoy writing, I’ll freely admit I’m no Burns, so I turned to AI to imagine an “Address to the Haggis Poutine.” I wasn’t disappointed.

You’ll find the poem below. I wonder too, what he might have made of it! The poutine will be served during the Ceilidh portion of our evening, ready to fuel dancing, laughter, and perhaps a dram or two. And while tickets to the actual supper have already sold out, there is still room at the Ceilidh for more of you to join us!

Address to the Haggis Poutine

Fair fa’ your honest, hearty bowl,

O Haggis Poutine! ye crown the soul,

O’ kitchens where the nations meet,

In gravy deep and curds complete.

Your tatties piled in noble stack,

Wi’ haggis bold—nae timid snack—

Auld Scotia’s fire, Canada’s cheer,

In one fine dish we gather here.

The knife slips in—see steam arise!

A savoury fog afore our eyes,

The haggis crumbles, rich and dark,

The curds protest, then melt their mark.

Gravy pours like winter thaw,

O’er spuds that never kent a flaw—

A union forged by pan and plate,

Proof borders bend to appetite.

The sleekit dish of fashion’s whim

May flaunt its foam and parsley trim,

But gie us this—nae dainty art,

Just food that grips ye by the heart.

It fills the hand, it steadies feet,

It minds us who we are when we eat:

Folk o’ the land, o’ work and song,

Wi’ hunger fierce and memories long.

Then raise your fork, ye sons and daughters,

O Highland hills and maple waters!

Let pipes and laughter shake the room,

While curds and haggis meet their doom.

If Burns had crossed the ocean wide,

He’d claim this dish wi’ swelling pride—

And toast, as we do, bold and true:

Great chieftain o’ the pudding race—

Haggis Poutine! We salute you! 🥃

AI, 2026

Address to the Haggis… and Poutine?