Every year people throughout the world celebrate the life and work of the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 – 1796), on his birthday of January 25.

Traditionally festivities will include eating a traditional Scottish meal, drinking Scottish whisky and reciting works by, about and in the spirit of the Bard.

Here are our top picks of events to celebrate across Hertfordshire…

Rotary Club

They will be celebrating with a glass – or three – of whisky and a traditional meal including haggis, tatties and neaps. The night will kick off with a piper and the meal will be interspersed with traditional Scottish singing – by a professional. Visitors to the club are welcome.

Watford Town and Country Club, Rosslyn Road, WD18 0JX, Monday, January 21. Details: watfordclarendonrc@gmail.com

Burns Night Supper

Organised by St Albans Whisky Club, this open event will be a three course meal, with the request that you ‘bring and share’ a bottle of whatever you enjoy.

Lower Red Lion, 36 Fishpool Street, AL3 4RX, Tuesday, January 24, 8pm to 11pm. Details: meetup.com/StAlbansWhisky

Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill

The restaurant will mark the evening in true Scottish style with a traditional piper, a three course dinner with Glenfiddich whisky and, to be a little different, they have created two Irn-Bru cocktails, available for the one night only, for those wishing to immerse themselves in all things Scottish. The piper will then recite Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis” poem before the theatrical cutting of the haggis with a ceremonial knife.

5 Verulam Rd, AL3 4DA, Wednesday, January 25. Details: 01727 799050, lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk

The Silver Cup

This Harpenden pub is hosting a traditional Burns Night, promising Scotch broth, haggis, tatties and neeps with a wee dram and Cranachan with shortbread.

5 St Albans Road, AL5 2JF, Wednesday, January 25, 7pm to 11pm. Details: 01582 713095, silvercupinharpenden.co.uk

White Hart Tap

Another traditional night offering a Burns Night supper which includes classic cock-a-leekie soup, Scottish rarebit, Haggis – both meat and vegetarian, neeps and tatties, cranachan and Scotch whisky tart. This will be followed by a Scottish themed quiz.

Keyfield Terrace, AL1 1QJ, Wednesday, January 25. Details: 01727 860974, whiteharttap.co.uk

Watford and West Herts Scottish Society

Their annual ‘non dancing’ event is Burns Night, although this isn’t strictly true as the night will end with Celidh dancing, and is open to all. Before that, however, there will be a traditional meal with a Haggis starter, the Immortal Memory a Burns Night address, toast to the lassies and some short poems.

Watford Town and Country Club, Rosslyn Road, WD18 0JX, Friday, January 27, from 7.15pm. Details: watfordscottish.org.uk

Rennie Grove Hospice Care

After a sell-out celebration last year, they will celebrate the life of Robert Burns with a traditional Scottish meal and live music from the Celidh band, Knitters Jig, who will have you up on your feet like a true Scot.

Mercure St Albans Noke Hotel, Watford Road, AL2 3DS, Saturday, January 28, 7pm to midnight. Details: 01727 731028, renniegrove.org

HOPE for Children

A traditional Scottish evening with a three course meal from 7pm. Haggis will be piped in and the ‘Ode to Haggis’ enacted. There will be wine on the table and of course a wee dram. All followed by a raffle and auction and then some Scottish dancing. Formal dress required.

Abbot`s Hill School, Bunker`s Lane, King`s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RP, Saturday January 28, from 6.30pm. Details: 07572 689609

Celidh Fundraiser

A little late celebration for those busy on the day, Step is partnering with The Living Room to host the evening and all money raised will be split equally between the two charities. There will be dancing in groups, under instruction, as well as Ploughmans dinner and mocktail drinks.

St Paul's Church, Blandford Road, AL1 4JR, Saturday, February 4, 6.30pm to 10pm. Details: 01727 893540, stepschoolswork.org.uk