Every January, primarily in Scotland, but there are celebrations held all over the UK, we come together to enjoy a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties to celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s most famous poets. During the festivities, we drink whiskey (his drink of choice), recite poetry and generally have a lovely time. To prepare you for this year’s Burns Night, here is everything you need to know about Robert Burns and his life.

  • Burns Night takes place on 25th January every year – the day of Robert Burns’ birth. His full birthdate is 25th January 1759.
  • He died aged just 37 on 21st July 1796
  • He penned his first poem at the age of 15 and wrote many of his works in Scots, English and Scots dialect.
  • He is best known for writing Auld Lang Syne (he added new lyrics to a traditional Scottish tune.)
  • He is also known by his nickname of Rabbie Burns and it is thought that he originally spelt his surname as Burnes.
  • Though he died young, he had 12 children – nine of which were with his wife Jean Armour.
  • He was also a lyricist and contributed more than 100 songs to a book called the Melodies of Scotland.
  • Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire and debated moving to Jamaica before eventually settling in Edinburgh when his book of poetry started selling well.
  • The first Burns supper was held in 1801 when a group of his friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of his death. It took place at Burns Cottage in Alloway and included a meal of haggis and performances of his work. It also included a speech in honour of Burns, which is now known as the Immortal Memory and is recited at all Burns Night celebrations.
  • Burns was buried in Dumfries at the Burns Mausoleum, and there are more statues, monuments and memorials dedicated to him than any other non religious figure after Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus. In Scotland, there are 20 official memorials that can be found all over the country.

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