Robert Burns (1759–1796), often referred to as the Bard of Ayrshire or simply the Bard, was a celebrated Scottish poet and lyricist.
He is considered Scotland’s national poet and is famous for his contributions to Scottish literature and culture.
His works are written in both Scots and English, often blending the two, and reflect themes of love, nature, nationalism, and the struggles of ordinary people.
Born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, to a farming family. Despite financial hardships, he received a good education, which greatly influenced his literary development.
Major Works –
Auld Lang Syne – The timeless song sung on New Year’s Eve around the world.
Tam o’ Shanter – A narrative poem combining humour and horror, showcasing Burns’ mastery of storytelling.
To a Mouse – A poignant reflection on humanity and the natural world.
Ae Fond Kiss – A heartfelt song of love and farewell.
Address to a Haggis – A humorous ode celebrating Scotland’s national dish.
His works helped preserve the Scots dialect and highlighted the cultural identity of Scotland.
Burns Suppers, annual events held on or near his birthday, feature readings of his works, toasts, and Scottish fare.
His influence extends far beyond Scotland, inspiring writers, musicians, and social movements worldwide.
Burns passed away on July 21, 1796, at the young age of 37, but his impact endures, making him one of the most beloved and enduring literary figures in history.
Many places in Scotland are associated with Robert Burns, reflecting his life, works, and legacy.
Alloway #
- Burns Cottage & Birthplace Museum – The humble thatched cottage where Burns was born on January 25, 1759. The museum features exhibits about Burns’ life, his manuscripts, and personal artefacts.
- Brig o’ Doon – A 15th-century bridge featured in Burns’ poem Tam o’ Shanter, where Tam’s horse escapes a pursuing witch.
- Auld Kirk of Alloway – The ruins of this old church are a key setting in Tam o’ Shanter. Burns’ father, William Burnes, is buried here.
Mauchline #
- Burns House Museum – Burns lived here with his wife, Jean Armour, and wrote many of his poems. The museum contains memorabilia and displays about his life in Mauchline.
- Mauchline Parish Churchyard – Several people connected to Burns, including Jean Armour’s family, are buried here.
Dumfries #
- Robert Burns Ellisland Museum & Farm – Burns leased this farm and lived here with his family from 1788 to 1791. It is where he wrote many of his most famous works, including Auld Lang Syne.
- Robert Burns House – Burns spent the final years of his life in this modest house in Dumfries. It is now a museum showcasing his personal belongings and manuscripts.
- St. Michael’s Churchyard – Burns is buried here in a mausoleum that serves as a site of pilgrimage for fans of his work.
- The Globe Inn, Dumfries – Established in 1610, The Globe Inn, Dumfries has long been associated with Scotland’s national poet. In 1796, Burns wrote: “… the Globe Tavern here, which these many years has been my Howff …”, and in 1819, the first of what was to become the annual tradition of Burns Suppers was held here at The Globe Inn in Dumfries, south-west Scotland.
Tarbolton #
Batchelors’ Club – In this 17th-century house in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, learned to dance, founded a debating club and became a Freemason. The Batchelors’ Club is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
Robert Burns World Federation – promoting and celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns and Scotland’s heritage, language and culture.
Burns Clubs in Scotland #
Alamo Burns Club – Paisley
Alexandria Burns Club – Founded 1884.
Bridgeton Burns Club – Founded in 1870.
Dalry Burns Club – the longest, continuous record of anniversary dinners in the world.
Dumbarton Burns Club – “On the evening of 25th January 1859 a party of 26 admirers of our national bard sat down to dinner in the Elephant Hotel, High Street, Dumbarton : and so began Dumbarton Burns Club.”
The Burns Howff Club – formed in the Globe Inn, Dumfries, south-west Scotland in 1889, and meets on the 25th January each year to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns in 1759 with a “Burns Supper”.
Greenock Burns Club – Instituted in 1801, it is the oldest Burns Club in the world and is known as “The Mother Club” – Greenock Burns Club on Facebook
Irvine Burns Club – The club has an unbroken history dating back to its formation on 2nd June 1826. Of the twelve founding members of the club five were known to Robert Burns, two of whom were close friends of the poet.
Paisley Burns Club – Founded on 29th January 1805.
Perth Burns Club – instituted on 8th February 1873.
Burns Clubs in Canada and the USA #
Robert Burns Association of North America – RBANA is an association dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the life, works and philosophy of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard.
Calgary Burns Club – fosters an interest in Scottish literature, art and music by sharing its talents with the community and through support of events involving Scottish cultural activities.
Halifax Burns Club – “Our organization is based on the Tarbolton Bachelors’ Club founded by Burns. Like the original club, we seek to be “a diversion for the weary man worn down by necessary labours of life””
Medicine Hat Burns Club – Established in 2008
Robert Burns Society of the Midlands – Columbia, South Carolina
Robert Burns Information #
Robert Burns – by The BBC
Robert Burns – by the Gazetteer for Scotland
Robert Burns – by The National Library of Scotland