Burns Night

Dr Colin Brough has recorded a special reading of Burns's poem, "Willie Wastle", to kick off this annual Scottish celebration.  The legendary poet’s birthday is traditionally marked by a Burns supper, which consists of haggis, neeps (turnip) and tatties (potatoes) washed down with a dram of whisky followed by poetry recitals. No Burns supper is complete without a reading of his poem, "Address to a Haggis".

Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,

 And dish them out their bill o’ fare, 

 Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware

That jaups in luggies;

But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,

Gie her a Haggis!

Robert Burns

Rabbie Burns was born in Alloway on 25 January 1759 and was famed for his romantic, humorous and political poems and songs written in the Scots language. An important cultural figure, Burns is often called Scotland’s national poet, and he’s celebrated worldwide  for his lyrical work. One of his most famous poems, "Auld Lang Syne", is sung all over the world, usually at Hogmanay (New Year’s).