Robert Burns: All about the Scottish poet, from where he born to why we celebrate Burns Night

Since 1801 the birthday of Robert Burns has been remembered across Scotland, and the entire the world, to celebrate the Scottish poet's incredible legacy.

From his own unforgettable Scottish songs and poetry such as 'Auld Lang Syne’ which people worldwide link arms and sing together every New Year, to inspiring the title of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' and even Michael Jackson, who was reportedly a fan of the writer which led to the creation of hit track 'Thriller'.

And having come from a humble cottage in Alloway village, it would undoubtedly shock the poet to hear that since he first put pen to paper, a collection of his work has since orbited Earth 217 times or 'walking' 5.7 million miles.

So for those wondering when is Burns Night in 2024, who exactly was Robert Burns and why is he celebrated, here's everything you need to know.

Where is Robert Burns from?

Robert Burns was born in Alloway, South Ayrshire in 1759. While he was a pioneer of the 'Romantic' poetry era, Burns received very little formal education due to his intensive farm life.

The birthplace of Robert Burns, Alloway, South Ayrshire, Scotland. | Print Collector/Getty Images

Who was Robert Burns?

Robert Burns was born in 1759 as the eldest son of seven children of a farmer in the small village of Alloway. Although he followed his father’s career for much of his life he still managed to produce over 700 poems before his death.

Robert Burns married Jean Armour, the mother of his children in 1788. | Getty Images

Living a life of debt, Burns had empathy for the poor and understood the unfairness of that which meant he resonated profoundly with his fellow Scots. He frequently wrote about the gap between the rich and the poor, religion, love, alcohol and what it meant to be Scottish.

His identity as a Scot can be felt throughout all of his works based on his masterful and witty command of the Scots language like ‘Auld Lang Syne’ translating to ‘Old Long Since’.

What was Robert Burns' wife called?

Robert Burns had a reputation as a ladies' man, however his wife was Jean Armour. She was the mother of nine of his children, though he was known to have affairs outside of his marriage.

How old was Robert Burns when he died?

Robert Burns died aged 37 on July 21, 1796 in Dumfries.

It is thought that excessive drinking was a leading cause behind the endocarditis that ended his life. Burns’ funeral tragically coincided with the birth of his son Maxwell.

Why is Burns Night celebrated?

Every year in Scotland, Burns Night is celebrated to mark the birthday of the country’s national poet Robert Burns and it is considered our ‘other national day’ aside from St Andrew’s Day.

On this day many Scots, and others around the world, practise a number of cultural traditions to honour ‘Rabbie’ Burns himself and his legendary devotion to Scotland, including its natural beauty and inhabitants.

Burns Night also recognises many of the poet’s great works, including A Red, Red Rose, A Man's a Man for A' That, To a Mouse, Tam o' Shanter and many more.

When was the first Burns Supper held?

It has been reported that the first Burns supper was held over 200 years ago in July 1801 when nine of the poet’s closest friends met up to mark the fifth anniversary of his death. This meal featured the traditional Scottish dish haggis and a Sheep’s head followed by a performance of Burns’ poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ and other song recitals.

When is Burns Night?

Burns Night falls on January 25th every year to coincide with the poet's birthday on January 25th, 1759.

How is Burns Night celebrated?

Burns Night is traditionally commemorated in Scotland with a Burns Supper, a meal which starts with a cock-a-leekie soup followed by haggis, neeps and tatties and a glass of whisky, naturally.

There are many events that occur in places like Edinburgh which see revellers enjoying ceilidhs and poetry readings of Burns’ best works.