A Tribute to Robert Burns

How much do you know about Robert Burns? For our international readers you might be interested to learn more about the man who brought Scottish history and culture to life through his poems.

January 25th  marks the anniversary of the birth of the famous Scottish poet. Traditionally, people celebrate the life of Robert Burn’s aka ‘Rabbie Burns’ with a supper of haggis, neeps and tatties.

An example of his work:

Burns composed his own version of Auld Lang Syne in 1788, which is now an international anthem that us sung at gatherings all over the world.

"Should auld acquainance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne!

Chorus: For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o'kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp!

And surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pou'd the gowans fine:

But we've wander'd mony a weary fitt,

Sin' auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn

Frae morning sun till dine:

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin' auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!

And gie's a hand o'thine!

And we'll tak a right gude willie-waught

For auld lang syne.

The BBC website provides a brief introduction to the life and loves of Scotland's beloved Rabbie Burns.