Every year on a late Saturday in January, people of Scottish descent and others around the world gather to celebrate the life and work of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. It’s an evening of fine fellowship cast in tartan hues with toasts, music, odes to the lads and lassies, and of course the ceremonial haggis, a traditional Scottish dish that is the centerpiece of the evening.

The tradition goes back for more than two centuries: the first supper was held in memoriam at Burns Cottage by the bard’s friends on the fifth anniversary of his death. Robbie Burns was born on Jan. 25, 1759, and died on July 21, 1796.

On the Vineyard this year’s Burns night supper will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Harbor View Hotel, hosted as always by the Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard. This marks the 30th year for the society’s Burns nicht supper. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. An auction and raffle will benefit the society’s scholarship fund at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.