Robert Burns

Robert Burns is Scotland’s national poet, and his life and legacy are celebrated every year around his birthday on January 25. Burns Night is a celebration of many Scottish traditions, featuring a meal of “haggis, neeps, and tatties,” a sip of whisky, recitations of famous Burns poems, and, of course, a toast to the man known as the “Immortal Memory.” Bagpipes and a ceilidh are also essential parts of a great Burns Night.

Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in Ayr, Scotland, the son of a farmer and the eldest of seven children. During his short life of 37 years, he wrote hundreds of songs and poems. These were enjoyed during his lifetime and have been celebrated for over 200 years at the Burns Supper, where Scots honor his work.

Did you know?

With "Auld Lang Syne," Burns wrote one of the best-known and most-sung songs! It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the three most popular songs in the entire English-speaking world.

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For old times’ sake, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I'll have mine!
And we'll have a cup of kindness yet,
for old times' sake.

Chorus

We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary mile,
since auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning till night;
But seas between us wide have roared
since the days of yore.

Chorus

And there’s a hand, my trusty friend!
and give me a hand of yours!
And we'll take a hearty drink,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus