Robert Burns

Robert Burns (1759–1796), also known as Rabbie Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire, and the Ploughman Poet, is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated for his pioneering role in the Romantic movement. Renowned for his innovative use of Scottish dialect, Burns penned poems, lyrics, and songs that often depicted themes of love, nature, and political commentary, resonating deeply with common folk and eliciting emotional responses. His extensive body of work includes notable pieces like "Auld Lang Syne," traditionally sung to herald the New Year around the world, and "Tam o' Shanter," a narrative poem infused with humor and vivid imagery. Burns’s profound impact on Scottish literature and culture is commemorated annually on Burns Night, a celebration marked by the recitation of his poetry, traditional Scottish music, and a meal featuring haggis.