Burns

Burns

Widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns is best known as a pioneer of the Romantic Movement for his lyrical poetry and re-writing of Scottish folk songs, many of which are still well-known today. He was born on January 25, 1759 in Alloway, South Ayrshire. The day of his birth is celebrated throughout the world as Burns' Night, with Burns' suppers, poems and songs. He is also known as: Robbie Burns, the Ploughman Poet, Robden of Solway Firth and the Bard of Scotland.
In 1786, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect was published which described the difficult existence of the Scottish peasant. Burn’s popularity was immediate. In addition to his poetry, Burns is well known for his song writing. He revised old Scottish tunes and created some new songs of his own. Some favorites include “Auld Lang Syne,” “To a Mountain Daisy,” and “Tam O' Shanter.” His song “Scots Wha Hae” served for a long time as the unofficial national anthem of the country. Robert Burns died of rheumatic fever on July 21, 1796, at the age of 37 in the town of Dumfries, Scotland.