App brings Robert Burns into the digital age

Planning on celebrating the life of Scotland's most famous poet this evening? Culinary tips, lyrics and facts can all be found via the screen of your smartphone

Tonight the nation remembers Scotland’s most beloved poet - Robert Burns.

But there is no need to panic if you can’t remember all of the words during your Burns Supper recital.

The Scottish Government’s “The Works of Robert Burns” is a free Android and iPhone app, containing over 550 poems and songs as well as traditional Scottish recipes.

The Robert Burns App also features a handy timeline detailing the bard's life. Image: Apple App Store

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

The app continues to be the most popular Burns-related app on sale at the moment, due to the fact his complete works are available with no cost.

But before users brush up on their poetry skills, the app can also advise them on Scottish traditional dress as well as the best music to accompany their meal with.

The Robert Burns App also features a handy timeline detailing the bard's life. Image: Apple App Store

The world’s most expensive haggis has been created to mark the 2016 event, costing £4,000. It’s made of French white truffle, Indian tellicherry black pepper and Highland wagyu hand-reared beef from Perthshire. To make it even more special, the dish is decorated with 24 carat gold - and yes, you can eat it, too!

A fund-raising Burns Supper is to be held in the poet’s childhood home in Alloway, Ayrshire tonight. Tickets for the event cost £250 per person, with all funds to be used by the Burns Birthplace Museum to maintain the ageing Burns Monument on site.