Robert Burns
Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns and the Bard of Ayrshire, was a Scottish poet and lyricist (someone who writes song words) He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. During his lifetime, King George II and King George III were on the throne.
- Born: 25th January 1759, Alloway, Scotland
- Died: 21st July 1796 (Aged 37)
- Family: Burns reportedly had several children with several different ladies
Robert Burns
Famous Works
Robert Burns wrote over five hundred poems and songs. Some of his most famous works are ‘My Heart is in the Highlands’, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘A Red, Red Rose’ and ‘Tam o’Shanter’.
Poems briefly explained:
My Heart’s in the Highlands declares the poet’s love for Scotland.
Auld Lang Syne is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve at midnight and reminds us of events and people from long long ago.
A Red, Red Rose is a romantic poem celebrating true love.
Tam o’Shanter describes the habits of Tam, a farmer who often gets drunk with his friends in a pub in the Scottish town of Ayr.
First lines from poems by Robert Burns:
My Heart’s in the Highlands: ‘My heart’s in the highlands; my heart is not here…’
Auld Lang Syne: ‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind…’
A Red, Red Rose: ‘O my Luve’s like a red, red rose, That’s newly sprung in June….’
Tam o’Shanter: ‘When chapman billies leave the street, And drouthy neibors, neibors, meet….’
Learning resources
Example questions
Graduate Awards Programme links:
