The Vote of Thanks stands as a cherished highlight at Burns Night celebrations throughout Scotland and beyond. This meaningful moment closes the evening with expressions of gratitude to those who made the gathering possible while paying tribute to Robert Burns.
A well-crafted Vote of Thanks creates the right mix of warmth, wit, and respect. Your guests should leave feeling valued and uplifted after hearing these closing words. Read on to find speech examples that showcase this beloved tradition.
Burns Night Vote of Thanks Speech Samples
Here are six speeches showing different ways to express gratitude at Burns Night celebrations.
Sample Speech 1
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow admirers of Robert Burns,
What a magnificent evening we’ve shared, celebrating Scotland’s beloved bard. From the skirl of pipes welcoming the haggis to the heartfelt recitation of Burns’ immortal verses, each moment has sparkled with Scottish spirit.
My deepest thanks go to our host, Margaret, whose dedication made this gathering possible. To our piper, James, who stirred our souls with traditional tunes. To David, whose Address to the Haggis brought such passion and flair. And to Mary and her kitchen team, who prepared this fantastic feast.
The Immortal Memory showed us why Burns’ words stay meaningful today. Thanks to Peter for that moving tribute, and to Sarah for her touching Toast to the Lassies. Jane’s witty Response had us all in stitches.
Most importantly, thank you all for coming together to keep Burns’ legacy strong. Let’s raise our glasses one final time to absent friends, to Scotland, and to the memory of Rabbie Burns.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A warm and inclusive speech that acknowledges each key participant while maintaining a cheerful tone. Best suited for traditional Burns Suppers where all the classic elements were included.
Sample Speech 2
Dear friends,
Tonight has been a celebration Robert Burns himself would have treasured. The food was outstanding, the whisky flowed freely, and the company proved absolutely wonderful.
To everyone who contributed to this evening’s success, your efforts deserve special recognition. Our hosts gave their best to welcome us into their home. The kitchen staff worked magic with traditional Scottish fare. Each speaker and performer added their own special touch to the proceedings.
The spirit of friendship and celebration that Burns championed stays alive through gatherings like this. Your presence and participation have made this evening truly memorable. Thank you all for sharing this celebration of Scotland’s national poet.
May the warmth of this evening stay with us until we meet again next year. To Rabbie Burns!
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A concise yet heartfelt speech that captures the friendly atmosphere of the evening. Perfect for informal Burns Suppers hosted at home or small venues.
Sample Speech 3
My fellow Burns enthusiasts,
As our celebration winds down, we find ourselves filled with good food, fine whisky, and even better company. Burns Night brings people from many walks of life together to share Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
Our gratitude goes first to the organizing committee, who put much care into making sure every detail was perfect. From the ceremonial entrance of the haggis to the carefully picked readings, their thoughtful planning showed through at every moment.
Special thanks go to our distinguished speakers. The Immortal Memory took us back to Burns’ time, showing us the man behind the poetry. The Toast to the Lassies and Reply sparked both laughter and reflection. Our musical performers kept Burns’ songs alive with their beautiful renditions.
The kitchen deserves high praise for their masterful preparation of traditional Scottish dishes. The haggis was superb, the neeps and tatties perfectly prepared, and every course showed their skill and dedication.
To our guests who came from near and far, your presence added something special to this gathering. The talks shared and friendships renewed show why Burns Night stays such a cherished tradition.
Let’s keep alive the spirit of Robert Burns, his love of friendship, equality, and honest appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. Until we meet again next year, may his words continue to guide us.
Raise your glasses please, to the immortal memory of Robert Burns!
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: An eloquent speech that combines gratitude with references to Burns’ values. Ideal for formal Burns Suppers at large venues or prestigious institutions.
Sample Speech 4
Good evening friends,
Seeing all these smiling faces and sensing the lingering aroma of haggis, my heart fills with appreciation. Tonight, we’ve experienced the true meaning of Burns Night through poetry, song, and fellowship.
Thank you to our magnificent host, who kept everything running smoothly. The pipers set the perfect tone, the speakers entertained and moved us, and the kitchen staff outdid themselves with every course.
Each person here helped make this evening special. From those who helped decorate the hall to those who sang along with every song, you’ve all added to this celebration of Scotland’s favorite son.
As we get ready to head home, we can see that the spirit of Robert Burns stays strong through gatherings like this, where friendship and goodwill flow as freely as the whisky. Thank you all, and good night.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A gentle, appreciative speech that emphasizes community and shared experience. Well-suited for community center or club Burns Suppers.
Sample Speech 5
Ladies and gentlemen,
Tonight we’ve shared something truly special. The pipes soared, the haggis was addressed with proper ceremony, and Burns’ immortal words rang out clear and true.
Our deepest thanks go to everyone who made this evening possible. The organizers who planned every detail, the kitchen team who prepared our feast, and each person who contributed their talents to the program deserve recognition.
Burns Night brings people together to celebrate poetry, friendship, and Scottish culture. Looking around this room, seeing old friends and new sharing stories and laughter, shows the lasting power of Burns’ legacy.
Thank you all for being part of this wonderful tradition. Safe home, and may we meet again next year to honor Scotland’s bard.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A straightforward yet meaningful speech that hits all the right notes. Great for Burns Suppers at social clubs or community organizations.
Sample Speech 6
Dear friends and fellow admirers of Robert Burns,
The time has come to close this wonderful evening. From the moment the haggis made its grand entrance to the last notes of Auld Lang Syne, we’ve celebrated Burns’ memory in true Scottish style.
Our hosts deserve the highest praise for creating such a welcoming atmosphere. The organizing committee worked hard behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Each performer and speaker added their own special touch to the proceedings.
The chef and kitchen staff created a magnificent feast worthy of the occasion. The piper led us proudly through our celebrations. And you, our guests, brought the warmth and fellowship that makes Burns Night so special.
Let’s carry the spirit of this evening with us, keeping Burns’ messages of friendship, love, and equality close. Thank you all for sharing this celebration of Scotland’s beloved poet.
Safe journey home, and until we meet again, may the words of Rabbie Burns stay with you.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A graceful and thorough speech that acknowledges all participants while maintaining an intimate tone. Particularly suitable for hotel or restaurant Burns Suppers.
Wrapping Up
These sample speeches give you starting points for creating your own Vote of Thanks. Each celebration has its own character, so adjust these examples to match your specific occasion. Speaking sincerely while thanking everyone who helped make the evening successful matters most.