The Poetry of Robert Burns

Born in Ayrshire in 1759, Robert Burns is Scotland's national bard. Affectionately known as 'the Ploughman Poet', his verses stand as a fitting testament to Scotland's proud literary history. Here's a selection of his greatest works.

Address to a Haggis

Address to a Haggis was written by Burns to convey his love for the Scottish delicacy. As a result, the poem is always the first item on the agenda at a traditional Burns Supper.

"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race..."

A Man's A Man For A That

This particular Burns poem sports the words "pride o' worth" which appear on the crest of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

"Is there for honest Poverty
That hings his head, an' a' that..."

Ae Fond Kiss

Ae Fond Kiss is Burns' most recorded love song. Among those that have recorded the ballad are Scottish musicians Eddi Reader and Dougie MacLean.

"Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, for ever..."

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne, perhaps Burns' most famous work, is one of the most widely sung songs of the English language. The song has crossed borders and oceans and can be heard across the globe on Hogmanay.

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind..."

To A Mouse

Whilst he wasn't writing iconic poetry, Robert Burns was a farmer, a profession not widely concerned with the wellbeing of wild animals at the time. So, this ode to a tiny field mouse is quite out of character for a farmer in Burns' day.

"Wee, sleekit, cowran, tim'rous beastie,
O, what a panic's in thy breastie..."

A Red, Red Rose

Robert Burns' works have transcended time, with modern musician Bob Dylan citing Burns' poem A Red, Red Rose as having the lyrics that have had the biggest effect on his life.

"O my Luve's like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June..."

Tam O'Shanter

Tam O'Shanter is one of Burns' longer poems and narrates the drunken journey home of Tam, who passes his local haunted church during a storm only to witness a mystical celebration featuring witches, warlocks and the devil playing the bagpipes.

"When chapmen billies leave the street,
And drouthy neibors, neibors meet..."