Internationally acclaimed Scottish singer Susan Boyle will make a special guest appearance at Dram of Destiny, taking to the stage at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday 30 January 2027.
Susan will join an evening of music, ceremony and entertainment that also features the internationally renowned Red Hot Chilli Pipers, whose high-energy fusion of traditional pipes, drums and rock will bring a contemporary pulse to the celebration.
The announcement adds another major name to an event that is already attracting interest well beyond Scotland. Alongside guests travelling from across the UK, confirmed attendees will be making the journey from Texas, California, Canada and Germany to share in this ambitious celebration of Burns, whisky and Scottish culture.
Susan’s appearance will give guests the opportunity to experience one of Scotland’s most recognisable voices as part of a wider programme combining music, storytelling, dining, ceremony and record-attempt activity.
The occasion will also reunite Susan with Dram of Destiny’s Master of Ceremonies, acclaimed Scottish actor James Cosmo. The pair previously appeared as husband and wife Herbert and Eleanor Hopewell in the 2013 festive drama The Christmas Candle.
Kevin Blair, founder and organiser of Dram of Destiny, said:
“Susan Boyle’s voice has reached audiences throughout the world, yet she remains unmistakably connected to Scotland. We are delighted that she will be making a special guest appearance at Dram of Destiny.
“Her time on stage will offer a wonderful contrast to the tremendous energy of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and bring another memorable dimension to the evening.
“It is also lovely to be reuniting Susan with James Cosmo. With guests now confirmed from across the globe, Dram of Destiny is becoming an international gathering united by a shared love of Scotland and its culture.”
Susan Boyle became a global sensation following her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, when her performance of I Dreamed a Dream captured the attention of millions. She went on to establish an international recording career while retaining the warmth, authenticity and Scottish identity that first connected her with audiences.
Her guest appearance will be woven into the wider Dram of Destiny programme, creating a distinctive musical moment during an evening that will move from traditional Burns ceremony and dining to live performance and collective celebration.
Susan Boyle said:
“I am delighted to be joining Dram of Destiny for what promises to be a very special celebration of Scotland.
“Burns Night brings together music, storytelling, friendship and tradition, and I am looking forward to being part of the evening. It will also be wonderful to see James again.”
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will bring their internationally recognised “bagrock” sound to the event, combining the power of traditional Scottish instruments with the drive and spectacle of a full live band.
Dram of Destiny will bring thousands of guests together for a traditional Burns Supper, an in-person whisky tasting, live entertainment and record attempts for the largest Burns Night Supper and the largest in-person whisky tasting.
The event is being delivered on a not-for-profit basis, with all proceeds remaining after operating costs donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Funds raised will support the Foundation’s work to accelerate research into motor neuron disease and improve the lives of people living with MND and their families.
Further performers, special guests and programme details will be announced as the event approaches.
Early Bird Tickets and further information are available at www.dramofdestiny.com