Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, is one of the greatest legends in Scottish history. He penned many iconic works such as ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Address to a Haggis’, ‘A Red, Red Rose’, and ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. His life and work are still celebrated today on Burns Night, held every 25 January, on the anniversary of the poet’s birthday. In honour of the Great Bard, we look at 12 facts you might not know about this world-renowned Scottish hero.
1. ROBERT – OR RABBIE?
Rabbie Burns is a fond nickname for Robert Burns, but it wasn’t his original name. The original spelling of his name was Robert Burnes, but the family changed their name to Burns after Robert’s father died in 1784. He often signed his work with Robert and Rob and also at times signed with Rab and Robin – but never Rabbie.
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2. HE WROTE HIS FIRST POEM WHEN HE WAS 15
Robert Burns wrote his first poem when he was just 15. It was a song called ‘O Once I Lov’d (A Bonnie Lass)’ to impress a girl called Nellie. He died aged just 37 from rheumatic fever on 21 July 1796, but in his short life, he composed a catagloue of over 716 works. Composed in Scots, standard English and Scots dialect, these works have been enjoyed and shared around the world for over 200 years.
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3. HE WAS ALSO A LYRICIST
Most people know him for his poems, but Robert Burns was also a lyricist. He wrote more than 100 songs published in a book called The Melodies of Scotland. His most famous song is Auld Lang Syne, now traditionally sung by Scots on Burns Night and at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
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4. HE ALMOST MOVED TO JAMAICA
While Robert Burns was a proud Scot, he almost moved from Scotland to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. He decided not to go through with it when his poetry collection Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect (also known as the Kilmarnock Volume) became highly successful. Instead, he moved to Edindburgh and published the second edition of this poetry book.
5. HE WAS IN FAVOUR OF REFORM
Robert Burns was alive during the French Revolution, which lasted from 5 May 1789 to 9 Nov 1799. He was in favour of reform, the abolishment of the constitutional monarchy, and the establishment of the Declaration of Human Rights.
6. HE WAS THE FIRST PERSON ON A COCA-COLA BOTTLE
In 2009, Burns became the first person to appear on a commemorative Coca-Cola bottle.
7. THE FIRST BURNS NIGHT
Burns Night is when people across Scotland hold Burns Suppers, including a traditional meal of whisky, haggis (‘the great chieftain o’ the puddin’-race’) and performances of Burns’ poems and songs. The first Burns Supper was held on 21 July 1801 when nine of Burns’ friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of Burns’ death and celebrate his life. Taking place at Burns Cottage in Alloway, the first Burns Supper involved a speech in honour of the great poet, now known as the Immortal Memory. Today, Burns Suppers are held on the Bard’s birthday, 25 January. For a deeper immersion into the rich history and landscapes consider embarking on a guided tour of the UK and Ireland, tailored to showcase the charm and cultural significance of these enchanting destinations.
8. THERE ARE A LOT OF STATUES OF ROBERT BURNS
There are more statues and monuments dedicated to Robert Burns than almost any other non-religious figure. In fact, the only two other non-religious figures who have more than him are Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus. There are over 50 statues and memorials of Robert Burns worldwide, with some as far away as New Zealand, Canada and the United States. In Scotland alone, there are around 20 official Burns memorials across the country. You’ll find them from Ayrshire (Burns’ birthplace) to Dumfries, where you’ll find his final resting place is the Burns Mausoleum in St Michael’s Churchyard, Dumfries.
9. HE DIED WITH £1 TO HIS NAME – BUT HE’S SINCE BEEN TO SPACE
Despite his success, Robert Burns tragically died in poverty with just £1 to his name. Today he is considered the national poet of Scotland. His life and work is a global phenomen, with immeasurable value. In 2010, a book of his poetry was carried into space by astronaut Nicholas Patrick. The book travelled over nine million kilometres and made 217 orbits of the Earth.
10. HE HAS A LOT OF FAMOUS FANS
Robert Burns’ poetry and songs have inspired and influenced countless famous artists and figures. Fans of his work include Bob Dylan, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and Winston Churchill. Michael Jackson once wanted to write a musical about his poems. John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ is said to have been inspired by a line in the Burns’ poem ‘To a Mouse’.
Today there are Burns Clubs all over the world, and these groups celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns. The very first one was founded in Greenock in 1801 and is known as The Mother’s Club.
11. HE WAS VOTED “THE GREATEST SCOT“
In 2009, Robert Burns was crowned “The Greatest Scot” by viewers of Scottish TV (STV). He beat out other Scottish legends including Sir Alexander Fleming, Robert the Bruce, and William Wallace.
12. THE BIGGEST COLLECTION OF ROBERT BURNS’ WORKS IS IN GLASGOW
If you want to see the biggest collection of Burns’ works, visit the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. There you’ll find hundreds of his poems and songs, translated into more than 30 languages.
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