Robert Burns (1759-96)
Raise a toast to Scotland's favourite son on Burns Night.
Robert Burns was born into a farming family at Alloway in Ayrshire in 1759 and died in Dumfries at the early age of 37. Yet in that short time he had taken the Scottish literary world by storm and had secured a place for himself in history.
As the economic crisis continues to spiral, the world has never had more need of Robert Burns, for the “ploughman poet” is the bard for hard times: satirical, bawdy, optimistic and humane, with an understanding that money and status are nothing compared to fellowship, love and laughter.
His poem (and song) Auld Lang Syne is sung at New Year and Scots Whae Hae served for a long time as an unofficial Scottish national anthem.
On the anniversary of his birth, Scots both at home and abroad celebrate Robert Burns with a supper, where they address the haggis, the ladies and whisky. A celebration which would undoubtedly make him proud.
Robert Burns - Images for Licensing
The Bridgeman archive is a great source for images depicting the life and legacy of Robert Burns. Portraits, illustrations from his poems, Robert Burns House, commemorative statues, his signature and much more.
