Should auld Burns poems be forgot, pick up an iPhone

Published on Tuesday 18 January 2011 14:47

HAVE you ever struggled to remember a verse of Auld Lang Syne at Hogmanay, or stalled under pressure during a Burns supper recital? Now there's an app for that.

• How the Burns app looks on the iPhone

With Burns Night fast approaching, the Scottish Government has launched a free iPhone app which contains the complete works of the Bard in a searchable database - over 550 poems and songs in total.

It also features a glossary to help those unfamiliar with the Scots terms used, a guide to the traditional haggis supper and biographical information about the 18th century poet's short but eventful life.

There are other Burns-related apps available on the Apple platform, but this is the first time his complete works have been made available at no cost.

Introducing the new product, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop called the new app "a great platform" to promote Burns around the world. It is intended to appeal to existing admirers and new readers alike, she added.

Ms Hyslop said: "Robert Burns is Scotland's greatest cultural icon, recognised and celebrated all around the world. His legacy is of incalculable value to Scotland and the country's image abroad.

"This app uses the very latest technology to bring Burns firmly into the 21st century, with his enduring messages of human equality and international brotherhood now available to iPhone users the world over."

Promoting Burns is a key part of the SNP Government's marketing strategy, with the new 21million Birthplace Museum in Ayrshire set to open to the public this week.

• Download the app here