Known in medieval Celtic culture as a story teller, verse maker and composer, the word ‘Bard’ has become synonymous with the world’s greatest poets. However, few are as celebrated as Scotland’s own ‘National Bard’, Robert Burns, who we pay tribute to on 25 January each year.
There’s no time like the present to raise a glass to the legacy of Robert Burns and Scotland’s rich culture.
Share your pictures and videos of how you’re toasting The Bard using the hashtag #CelebrateBurnsNight. We'll be collating celebrations from around the world right here for you to explore, enjoy and be inspired by.
On the 25 January Scotland plays tribute to the life and cultural legacy of Robert Burns, not just in Scotland but across the world. This year many events are being held virtually or are limited in capacity to be as safe as possible. So, whether you’re looking to toast virtually at home or head out to a local event, here is your 2022 guide of Burns Night celebrations.
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.
Think you know your 'Auld Lang Syne' from your 'Tam O'Shanter'? Test your knowledge of all things Robert Burns with this fun new quiz!
The legacy of Robert Burns is incredibly impressive reaching far and wide across the globe and into the consciousness of some of the world's most well-known people. Check out these 20 fascinating facts about our very own Ploughman Bard.
The first Burns supper was held in 1801 and in the 200+ years since then new traditions have been added but the sentiment remains the same: to pay tribute to our national poet. Learn how to host the perfect Burns supper here.
(Please note this was developed before the coronavirus pandemic.)
Poet and essayist Kathleen Jamie was appointed as our newest Makar – Scotland’s national poet – in 2021. In this special recording to celebrate Burns Night, she shares a reading of Robert Burns’ To A Mountain Daisy and her own poem Daisies, truly bringing together the best of Scotland’s culture past and present.
The legacy of Robert Burns has continued to grow worldwide since his death more than 200 years ago. For the last two years, the Centre for Robert Burns Studies has been using cutting edge technology developed by Edify to take people closer to his life and times using virtual reality.