Who is Robert Burns

Robert Burns (1759-1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist, widely considered to be the national poet of Scotland and a major figure in the Romantic movement. He was also a songwriter and dramatist and remembered chiefly for his work as a poet and lyricist, as well as for his political activism and social conscience.

Robert Burns’ Early Life

Robert Burns was born in Alloway, a small village to the south of Ayr, Scotland on January 25, 1759. He was the eldest of seven children born to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer. Burns grew up in a very religious atmosphere and was educated in the subject at Kirk Alloway, a local school whose curriculum was focused on teaching bible stories and the Catechism. Burns spent his childhood in Ayrshire developing an early love for language and literature, which was nourished in school and enriched through his own reading. At the age of 15, he became an apprentice hairdresser at a salon in nearby Dumfries, but he quickly returned to Ayrshire to work on the family farm after his father died.

Robert Burns’ Poems

Burns wrote prolifically, eventually producing around 400 poems and more than 500 songs. Nature and rural life were constant themes in his writings, but he also addressed more somber topics, such as poverty and death. Much of his work was driven by his own political views and he was highly critical of the church, aristocracy, and slavery. His most famous poems include Auld Lang Syne, To A Mouse, Address to the Devil and Scots Wha Hae.

Robert Burns Celebrations

Burns’ birthday is widely celebrated in Scotland and throughout the world with events and festivals to honor his life and work. The most important Burns event each year is the Burns supper, a formal dinner which traditionally includes a haggis, some of Burns’ best-loved poems, speeches and toasts by proud Scots. Burns night is also celebrated on January 25th and includes readings of Burns poetry, traditional dances and of course generous helpings of whisky.