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Robert Burns

“Scotland is undoubtedly the star of Outlander. I’m so proud of the country and all it has to offer.”

17 Inspiring Quotes about Scotland starting with Sam Heughan from Outlander

Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) and Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) enjoying some playful banter on the set of "Men in Kilts".

The Scots Language in Outlander: 13 Scottish words and phrases like Dinna Fash

You can find Bobby on George IV bridge close to Chambers Street in Edinburgh. A memorial to the dog that was truly man’s best friend, it reads: “A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.”

Statues of Scotland: The 25 Best Scottish statues starting with Greyfriars Bobby

King Charles referenced this Robert Burns quote when describing his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He continued: "I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother.”

17 Inspiring Robert Burns quotes including King Charles' reference to his mother

The Scots Language (or Scots Leid) is one of Scotland's native languages that dates back to the early Middle Ages.

Discover Scots: Scotland's native language often called "just a dialect"

Here are the 10 best poets from Scotland, according to our readers. Cr: Getty Imags/Canva Pro

10 of the best poets to have ever come from Scotland (that aren’t Robert Burns!)

Scotland has long had a difficult relationship with alcohol (Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)

Polarisation of political debate interfering with creation of good policies

An old joke in Scotland was telling American tourists who asked 'What is a haggis?' That it's "a small four-legged creature from the Highlands!" Some reported that this was actually taken seriously, however, and not humorously as intended.

What is Haggis made of? Is it truly Scottish? Why is it banned in the US?

A CGI image issued by the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, of the proposed cafe and temporary exhibition space, at the Ellisland Farm in Dumfries and Galloway. Picture: Robert Burns Ellisland Trust/PA Wire

Plans to 'save' farm where Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne go on display

Dundee-born former soldier James Thompson Bain fought against the British army in the Boer War (Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

James Thompson Bain: A socialist hero or a racist villain? – Kenny MacAskill

Tackling childhood obesity

Why we need to talk about Scotland's overweight children

Professor of public health Linda Bauld

"Children should not be given shortbread and Irn Bru to celebrate Burns Week"

Jersey Boys PIC: Birgit + Ralf Brinkhoff

Theatre reviews: Jersey Boys | Tam O'Shanter – Tales & Whisky

Robert Burns, played here by an actor, would sympathise with many suffering amid the cost-of-living crisis today (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Scotland needs tax regime to be competitive with rest of UK – Sandy Begbie

American journalist, abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass, working at his desk in the late 1870s, was a fan of Robert Burns' poetry (Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Kenny MacAskill: Why Robert Burns does not deserve to be shamed over slavery

Outlander author Diana Gabaldon has suggested the decline of 'Scotch' as an alternative to 'Scots' or 'Scottish' coincided with rising support for the SNP

Scots or Scotch: what does Robot Robert Burns say? – Scotsman comment

The Burns Infinite website generates poetry in the style of Robert Burns using Artificial Intelligence. PIC: Contributed.

'Robot Burns' and the verse that keeps writing beyond the bard's grave

People singing Auld Lang's Syne during New Year at the Tron, Edinburgh 1964

Auld Lang Syne: The truth about the famous Scottish poem by Robert Burns

The Selkirk Grace is a prayer in the Scots language traditionally spoken at a Burns Night supper.

What is the Selkirk Grace - and why is it recited on Burns Night?

Robert Burns was known for being a ladies man and he fathered 12 children in total between 4 different women. However his last-born child, Maxwell, was born on the day of his funeral on July 25, 1796. It has been said he began his romantic ways in his early years, at age 15 he wrote his first song ‘O Once I Lov’d (A Bonnie Lass)’ to impress a girl named Nellie.

Robert Burns: 10 Surprising facts about Scotland's poet you didn’t know

Burns Night falls on January 25 and it marks the birthday of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, who died in 1796.

9 traditions of a classic Burns Night to celebrate Scotland’s national poet

Robert Burns, known familiarly as 'Rabbie Burns', was a Scottish poet and lyricist born in 1759.

What is Burns Night, who was Robert Burns, and where was he born?

Burns Night falls on January 25 and it marks the birthday of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, who died in 1796.

Who was Robert Burns and why is Burns Night celebrated?

This is a sign taken from the Stracathro service station off the motorway in Angus, Scotland. In literal English this would become “You may go a lot further and do a lot worse”. Encouraging words, thanks chaps.

Can you read Scots? 16 Scots language quotes that show it's not 'just a dialect'

Mr Deane, Mr James Hoy, Mr E Willis and Mr M Valente at the Heather Club Burns Supper in 1963.

23 pictures of Burns Night in Edinburgh from the 1950s and 1960s

Robert Burns, as depicted on a Clydesdale Bank £10 note.

10 of the most popular poems and songs written by Robert Burns

The newly restored Burns statue reinstated in Leith. Picture: Lisa Ferguson Newly restored Burns statue reinstated in Leith as nation celebrates Scotland’s bard An event will be held to mark the reinstatement of the 124-year old bronze statue, which was removed in 2019 to allow for Trams to Newhaven works. Elected members, conservationists and project team directors will hear a reading by former Edinburgh Makar Alan Spence of poems specially written for a time capsule placed under the statue,. This includes his own poem, Interesting Times. ouncil Leader, Adam McVey; Depute Leader, Cammy Day; Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes; Transport and Environment Vice Convener, Councillor Karen Doran; City of Edinburgh Archaeologist, John Lawson; Conservationist Nic Boyes; former Edinburgh Makar Alan Spence. LATEST NEWS: Newly restored Burns statue unveiled in Leith Leith’s iconic Burns statue has been returned to its home on Bernard Street, as Scotland prepares to celebrate the national bard. The 19th century bronze sculpture was put into storage in December 2019 to make way for Trams to Newhaven construction. It has since undergone specialist conservation work before its reinstatement at Bernard Street’s junction with Constitution Street. On the morning of Burns Night (Tuesday, 25 January), Council leaders, tram project officers and contractors were joined by conservationists and former Edinburgh Makar Alan Spence to officially unveil the monument. They also marked the placement of a new time capsule underneath the statue, alongside an original capsule discovered in 2019, which contained relics from both the late 19th century and the 1960s.

Is it time to gag Scotland's most famous poet Robert Burns?

Philosopher and economist Adam Smith inspired Robert Burns with his theory that morality was guided by the gaze of those around us. PIC: Contributed.

Adam Smith inspired Burns on morality - what can he do for us? - Alison Campsie

Robert Burns once wrote 'pleasures are like poppies spread: you seize the flow’r, its bloom is shed' (Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

SNP must not fall into 'Le Carré's trap' and start fighting each other

The influence that philosopher and economist Adam Smith had on the work of poet Robert Burns will be explored ahead of Burns Night in an event by Glasgow University. PIC: Glasgow University/CC

Robert Burns, Adam Smith and the mutual regard of two Scottish giants

A bottle of Timorous Beastie

What whisky to choose this Burns night - from bargain buys to whisky pairings

The portrait of Robert Burns by Alexander Nasmyth. PIC: Contributed.

Burns, slavery and the abandoned trip to Jamaica that looms large

Morgan Barbour and Freya Pellie are among the performers in Le Haggis, the cabaret show revived for this year's Big Burns Supper festival in Dumfries. Picture: Stuart Walker

Festival aims for permanent cultural hub in town where Burns spent final years

Robert Burns took seven out of the top ten spots in a poll of Scotland's favourite Scots poems

Robert Burns’ poems must never be forgotten – Scotsman comment

Actor James Cosmo has given a new recital of Scotland's favourite Scots poem. PIC: Visit Scotland.

Favourite Scots poem revealed as actor James Cosmo gives recital of winner

Farthest throw and catch of a sausage roll in the mouth (photo: You Tube, David Rush)

First News: catch that sausage

Conservator Suzanne Reid inspecting the Robert Burns First Commonplace book which, along with 12 manuscripts, represent a "treasure trove" of the Bard's works which have been saved for the nation.

Burns 'treasure trove' hidden away for 100 years comes home to Scotland

The cast of Burns in rehearsal

Rabbie Redux: A Burns for the internet age

The Robert Burns poems titled Poems Chiefly In The Scottish Dialect.

Rare Robert Burns book saved from destruction to go on display

Historians debate the origins of the term 'Hogmanay' in Scotland; whether it originates from Vikings or Mary Queen of Scots.

What is Hogmanay? What does the word mean? Scottish New Year’s explained

In ancient times, people wore masks during Halloween as it was thought that it would ward off spirits and prevent people from being recognised by them.

Halloween 2022: Where does Halloween come from and why do we celebrate it?

Ellisland Farm, where Burns built a house for his family after moving to the area in 1788. Picture: geograph.org/Rosser1954

Plans to develop home of Robert Burns being drawn up

James Hutton deserves more recognition. Picture: Wikicommons

Why is father of geology James Hutton barely recognised today?

Alan Cumming is portraying Scotland's most celebrated poet, Robert Burns, in the new dance-theatre show Burn, which is currently touring Scotland. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Festival Diary: Alan Cumming returns for book festival and a bagel party

Alan Cumming

Book Festival round-up: Alan Cumming | Alistair Moffat | Joanne Harris

Alan Cumming is portraying Scotland's most celebrated poet, Robert Burns, in a new dance-theatre show, Burn, which is touring Scotland after premiering at the Edinburgh International Festival. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Alan Cumming: Scots have gone off talking about prospect of independence

Alan Cumming in Burn.

EIF theatre review: Alan Cumming in Burn

Alan Cumming is portraying Scotland's most celebrated poet, Robert Burns, in the new dance-theatre show Burn at the King's Theatre during the Edinburgh International Festival. Picture: Jane Blarlow/PA Wire

Alan Cumming on bringing Robert Burns back to life in his new dance show

Ellisland Farm, recreated in Minecraft, was also the location and inspiration for some of the poet’s most famous works including Tam o Shanter and Auld Lang Syne Pic: Martin Shields

Former home of Robert Burns brought to virtual life on Minecraft

Fergus Linehan is in his final year as director of the Edinburgh International Festival. Picture: Andrew Milligan

Festival chief says event needs ‘last-minute’ surge of bookings

Beautiful view of traditional Gondola on Canal Grande with historic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the background on a sunny day in Venice, Italy

Book a place on rail trips to literary landscapes - including Bronte country and...

Alan Cumming will be portraying Robert Burns in the new National Theatre of Scotland production Burn. Picture: ommy Ga-Ken Wan

Alan Cumming says new Burns dance show has left him feeling exhausted

Prof Murray Pittock of Glasgow University PIC: Robert Perry

Book review: Scotland - The Global History, from 1603 to Today, by Murray Pittoc...

Tam O’Shanter, Tales & Whisky comes to Edinburgh, performed by Fiona Herbert, Shian Denovan and Andy Dickinson. Pic by: Jim Devine

Enjoy a dram as lassies reply to the Bard in new show premiering in Edinburgh

Nicola Sturgeon recently apologised over the burning of women as witches in the past, while Glasgow Council leader Susan Aitken apologised for the city's links to the slave trade (Picture: John Linton/PA Wire)

Apologies for historical crimes can distract from modern-day scandals

Dancer Marge Hendrick helped launch the Edinburgh International Festival programme in Leith. Picture: Mihaela Bodlovic

Revival of Edinburgh International Festival could not be more timely

The Scotsman Top Stories

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has written for The Scotsman

Scotland's problem is with London, not Britain, says Gordon Brown

Scots are set to bask in the UK's hottest spring day of 2023. with the mercury expected to hit 25C on Wednesday -- but there will be a geographical divide, with the west expected to be as much as 10C warmer than eastern coasts. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Why this weekend is set to be so warm in Scotland as hottest day forecast

Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy in Succession Season 4 Episode 10 'With Open Eyes', holding a piece of tape (Credit: HBO)

Four must-watch Jeremy Strong performances from Succession star