Rabbie Burns, "The Bard" of Scotland
Robert "Rabbie" Burns was born on 25th January, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, in a small cottage which has since been established as an official museum. The occasion of his birthday continues to be celebrated around the globe, but most particularly here in Scotland, his homeland. He is of course best known as a poet and a lyricist but there was much more to the life of this remarkable man than those compositions which have undoubtedly become his greatest legacy...
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Rabbie Burns - Summary of Contents
What you will find on this site
Click on any of the links immediately below to go straight to the desired content or - better still - browse the site in full.
- Happy 250th Birthday, Rabbie Burns
- Rabbie Burns - The Early Years
- Rabbie Burns - A Biography
- What Constitutes a Good, Authentic Burns Supper?
- Haggis, Tatties and Neeps
- Traditional Scottish Recipes for Burns' Night
- Do You Have Your Own Website or Blog?
- Whisky
- I Wonder what Rabbie Burns made of this Stuff?
- The Address To A Haggis
- Download Your Address to the Haggis
- A Toast to the Tartan!
- Rabbie Burns - The Poet
- Tam O' Shanter
- Rabbie Burns - A Poetic Journey
- The Works of Rabbie Burns
- William Wallace - The Ultimate Scottish Hero
- Rabbie Burns Blog Posts from Google
- Scotland's Two Greatest Mysteries
- Did you know?
- Rabbie Burns - The Lyricist
- Ae Fond Kiss
- My Love is Like A Red, Red Rose
- Rabbie Burns - The Ladies' Man
- Rabbie Burns - The Freemason
- Scotland
- More Eminent Scottish Writers
- Rabbie Burns - The Final Years
- The Star O' Rabbie Burns - A Fitting Tribute
- The Music of Rabbie Burns
- Auld Lang Syne
- OK, perhaps a short musical version is in order...
- Would You Like A Bit of Rabbie Burns on Your MP3 Player?
- Haste ye Back!
Happy 250th Birthday, Rabbie Burns
Sunday 25th January 2009
The above date saw the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert "Rabbie" Burns. In order to mark the occasion, the Scottish Government deemed that the date would kick-off a series of events, lasting for the remainder of the year, to celebrate not only what Burns gave to the world, but what Scotland and the Scots have similarly achieved.Events are planned throughout Scotland. Some are one-off celebrations, some are exhibitions or performances which will last for months. There will be whisky drunk, toasts made and many parties held across the land.
Rabbie Burns - The Early Years
The boy who became, "The Bard"
At the age of seven, Robert Burns (or "Burness," as his surname was at that time) moved with his family from the small cottage in which he had been born to a large farm further south. The young Rabbie was soon put hard to work in the fields as a labourer and the hardship he endured in those formative years was to have a permanent effect on his health. His education was sporadic - much of it courtesy of his father - but perhaps surprisingly comprehensive when one takes in to account the time period and family circumstances. He received tuition in the basics that are reading, writing and arithmetic, but also in subjects such as French, Latin and geography. At the age of fifteen, he was inspired by a fellow farm worker - Nelly Kilpatrick - to pen his first poem, "O, Once I Lov'd a Bonnie Lass." Rabbie Burns - A Biography
Find out more via the following links:
- Biography of Robert Burns - Poet of Scotland
- The "Heart o' Scotland" summarises the life and loves of Rabbie Burns.
- BBC - Burns Night - Biography
- The BBC's guide to Burns Night and Burns Suppers.
- Robert Burns - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Wikipedia takes a more in depth look at Rabbie Burns.
What Constitutes a Good, Authentic Burns Supper?
What are the essentials for such an event?
Burns Suppers are held throughout the world, particularly in countries which have a large number of Scots or people of Scottish descent. What, however, is so special about these occasions and what do we truly need to make sure we provide or include in order to authenticate the evening?
Below are a few ideas to start us off. Please vote for what you think is the most important item - the one which we simply cannot do without - by clicking on the small, upward pointing arrow next to your selection or feel free to add a suggestion of your own!
1
Good Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2 points
2
Haggis
1 point
3
Recitals of poetry by Rabbie Burns
1 point
4
Tartan
0 points
5
Performance of songs written by Rabbie Burns
0 points
Haggis, Tatties and Neeps
(Haggis, Potatoes and Turnips)
It is the traditional fayre at any Burns Supper worth its salt. The evening begins with the haggis being piped in to the table and Burns' "Address to the Haggis" being given with all due ceremony and emotion. I feel that I must be entirely honest here, however, and hold my hand up to say that I only tried haggis for the first time in almost three decades in late 2007!!! My hazy memories of eating it as a child are of anything but a pleasant culinary experience - but I was truly amazed to discover that I actually quite enjoyed it and I will certainly have it again...liberally doused - naturally - with a sauce made from Scotland's even more famous product!My own long standing (albeit now former) opinion of haggis, however, is very much of the minority variety and I am acutely aware of how much it is both valued and enjoyed, not only as part of the Burns Night or Supper celebrations, but at all other times of the year. Anyone reading this who lives in Edinburgh, or is likely to be visiting Edinburgh at some future date, may wish to consider the following venue for an extremely popular, delicious and traditional serving of "haggis, tatties and neeps." Simply click on the link below for further details:
The Last Drop
Traditional Scottish Recipes for Burns' Night
Which is your favourite of the following Scottish fayre?
Vote for your favourite recipe by clicking on the relevant small, upward pointing arrow, or even better, include a link to a recipe idea of your own!
1
Finnan Haddie
Don't like haggis? Have a fish course instead!1 point
2
Tipsy Laird Trifle
A form of (alcoholic!) trifle.1 point
3
Cullen Skink
A thoroughly delicious, fish based soup.0 points
4
Cock-a-Leekie Soup
"Chicken and Leek" may be the best, shor more...0 points
5
Haggis, Tatties and Neeps
What Burns Supper could possibly be complete witho more...0 points
6
Atholl Brose
An oatmeal, honey and whisky combination.0 points
8
Shortbread Recipe
An after dinner essential.0 points
Do You Have Your Own Website or Blog?
Do you know how to promote and market it properly?
-
How to Promote and Market a Website
-
As I have often said, to a great many people, what precisely is the point of having the fanciest, all-singing, all-dancing website in the world...if no one ever sees it? Stop and think about it for a minute: how many newspapers would continue to be p...
Whisky
"The Water of Life"
Here are but a few of the quality Scotch whisky items currently available to bid for on eBay:
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
I Wonder what Rabbie Burns made of this Stuff?
Did you know that Whisky had a predecessor in Scotland?
Whisky is of course a legendary drink throughout not only Scotland but the whole wide world beyond...But how many people know about the even older drink produced in Scotland?
- Before There Was Whisky...There Was Blaand!
- Whisky has been produced in and associated with Scotland for more than five hundred years. It has long since been thought of as the country's national drink and its fibres are intricately woven through the...
Download Your Address to the Haggis
Available on Amazon now!
Address To A Haggis
Amazon Price: $0.89 (as of 07/14/2009) 
Bonus track - Address to the Haggis
Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
A Toast to the Tartan!
Celebrate Burns Night in Tartan Regalia
Tartan is woven through Scottish history and culture just as surely as the colours are woven through the cloth. Here is a small sample of some tartan items currently available at great prices on Amazon.com, conveniently delivered right to your door...
Click on any image for more details.
Click on any image for more details.
JanSport Superbreak Backpack in Classic Tan JS Tartan 2 T501
Amazon Price: $28.85 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
Bagpipe Royal Tartan and Learn to Play Book
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $299.99
Scottish Tartans in Full Color (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 07/14/2009)
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Rabbie Burns - The Poet
It depends on the perception of the individual as to whether Burns is best remembered as a poet or a lyricist - or even as something different entirely. I personally, however, will always associate him first and foremost with poetry.The poems by Burns are of course far too numerous to even list here never mind recite in their entirety but I will include some links below for those who would like to read and find out more.
Tam O' Shanter
by Robert Burns
"When chapman billies leave the street,
And drouthy neibors neibors meet,
As market-days as wearing late,
An' folk begin to tak the gate;
While we sit bousing at the nappy,
An' getting fou and unco happy,
We think na on the lang Scots miles,
The mosses, waters, slaps and styles,
That lie between us and our hame,
Where sits our sulky sullen dame,
Gathering her brows like gathering storm,
Nursing her wrath to keep it warm."
So begins the first Burns poem I ever read and the one which is probably his most famous. For a complete transcript of this poem (and a translation!) click on the link below:
Alexandria Burns Club
And drouthy neibors neibors meet,
As market-days as wearing late,
An' folk begin to tak the gate;
While we sit bousing at the nappy,
An' getting fou and unco happy,
We think na on the lang Scots miles,
The mosses, waters, slaps and styles,
That lie between us and our hame,
Where sits our sulky sullen dame,
Gathering her brows like gathering storm,
Nursing her wrath to keep it warm."
So begins the first Burns poem I ever read and the one which is probably his most famous. For a complete transcript of this poem (and a translation!) click on the link below:
Alexandria Burns Club
Rabbie Burns - A Poetic Journey
Find more Burns poetry via the following links:
- Robert Burns Country: the official Robert Burns site
- The official site of Rabbie Burns.
- Robert Burns Tribute - Burns Supper, Haggis, Poems and more
- Unofficial but informative tribute site to the many facets of Rabbie Burns.
The Works of Rabbie Burns
Whether or not one is a fan of Burns, one has to admit that his work is certainly distinctive and that he had a style absolutely all his own. Below are a few publications currently available on Amazon.com including his compositions.
Click on any image for more details, and remember, if you're not in the USA, you will have the opportunity to switch.
Click on any image for more details, and remember, if you're not in the USA, you will have the opportunity to switch.
The Collected Poems of Robert Burns (Wordsworth Poetry Library)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $7.99
Burns: Poems (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $12.50
The Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $7.95
The complete poetical works of Robert Burns: with explanatory and glossarial notes; and a life of the author, by James Currie, M.D.
Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $23.99
Selected Poems Robert Burns (Penguin Popular Classics) (Spanish Edition)
Amazon Price: $3.30 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $3.30
William Wallace - The Ultimate Scottish Hero
But do you know the facts behind the Braveheart Movie?
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William Wallace - Braveheart
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Whatever your own particular perspective causes you to think of William Wallace, surely no one can deny that he must have been quite a remarkable man in many ways? It was William Wallace who provided the inspiration and determination for the downtro...
Rabbie Burns Blog Posts from Google
What others are saying about "The Bard"
- Barack Obama snubs Alex Salmond's Robert Burns invitation ...
- Telegraph.co.ukBarack Obama snubs Alex Salmond's Robert Burns invitationTelegraph.co.ukPresident Obama has ignored Alex Salmond's overtures to visit Scotland to commemorate the ...
- Barack Obama snubs Alex Salmond's Robert Burns invitation | Obama ...
- President Obama has ignored Alex Salmond's overtures to visit Scotland to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
- Could Michael Jackson do justice to Robert Burns' poetry ...
- I was pleased to hear that Radiohead did their cover of Neil Young's After The Gold Rush at the Hollywood Bowl this week (and equally pleased to see Thom Yorke wearing those excellent tight red jeans he wore at Victoria Park earlier ...
- SPT on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
- Formulaic, clichéd responses to design never never work; tartan, Rabbie Burns and that awful caligraphic typeface never does the projected image of a modern cosmopolitan Scotland any favours. As for that SPT identity - well... that's ...
Scotland's Two Greatest Mysteries
The Loch Ness Monster...and what is worn under the kilt!!!
I have to begin this section by making what is perhaps shameful admission number two: yes, this Scotsman who never ate haggis in thirty years, in all his travels throughout this land has never visited Loch Ness! It's true, I'm afraid - therefore I am unable to comment on "Nessie's" present state of health or whereabouts.
With regard to the second mystery, however, there is an extremely disconcerting rumour sweeping Scotland at the moment that during a recent and particularly cold afternoon "haggis shoot," Auld Dougal slipped in the snow and ice and revealed to the world the most inappropriate of garments, which you will see pictured to the left! Surely it can't be true...can it? Imagine the shame it would bring upon his family for generations to come!
Already - the world of commerce being what it is - replicas of Dougal's "alleged" folly are being offered for sale online. Click here to see for yourself!
With regard to the second mystery, however, there is an extremely disconcerting rumour sweeping Scotland at the moment that during a recent and particularly cold afternoon "haggis shoot," Auld Dougal slipped in the snow and ice and revealed to the world the most inappropriate of garments, which you will see pictured to the left! Surely it can't be true...can it? Imagine the shame it would bring upon his family for generations to come!Already - the world of commerce being what it is - replicas of Dougal's "alleged" folly are being offered for sale online. Click here to see for yourself!
Did you know?
A little known fact about Rabbie Burns...
On 14th October, 1788, an experiment took place at Dalswinton Loch, near Dumfries. A small boat, fitted with an engine designed by William Symington, became what was effectively the world's first paddle propelled steamboat. It is widely reported that Rabbie Burns was on board that day.
Rabbie Burns - The Lyricist
Just as a list of his poetry would fill this entire page, so too would a list of his songs. "Prolific" does not even begin to describe Rabbie Burns' literary accomplishments. I hope you enjoy this tiny sample of his work.To play the videos, first click on the large arrow in the centre of the screen, followed by the small one to the bottom left.
Rabbie Burns - The Ladies' Man
Scotland's answer to Casanova?
As one would expect, judging from the type of poems and song lyrics he largely penned, Rabbie Burns definitely had more than an eye for the "lassies." It is therefore impossible to examine his life to any extent whatsoever without touching upon this aspect of it.Rabbie Burns was eventually married in 1788 to Jean Armour, who bore him a total of nine children. Their relationship was complex to say the least and far too intricate to examine here, but for those who do wish to know more about this aspect of Burns' life, click here for an excellent, comprehensive account of the ins and outs of their lives together.
The other women in Burns' life were numerous and varied but some of the most significant included Alison Begbie, for whom he reputedly wrote four songs. It appears, however, that his feelings were not reciprocated and this was probably his first taste of rejection.
Elizabeth Paton was a maidservant of his mother's and was the woman who bore him his first child in 1786.
He was subsequently scheduled (allegedly) to emigrate to Jamaica with Mary Campbell, but before any definite plans could be put into place, Mary tragically contracted a fever and died. She was 23 years old.
The personal relationships of Rabbie Burns were often frowned upon by the Kirk (Church of Scotland) but if one considers the time period, his associations with Agnes McLehose must have attracted particular disapproval. Agnes (Nancy as she was often known) was estranged from her husband, who had left for Jamaica, but she eventually set sail to rejoin him with an original copy of "Ae Fond Kiss" as a parting gift from Burns.
Rabbie Burns - The Freemason
It's not a secret!
It may not be one of the more widely publicised or renowned aspects of his existence but the reality is that Burns was very active in Freemasonry and it played a significant part in his adult life. He was initiated in 1781 at the age of 22 into the Lodge St David Tarbolton and only three years later became "Depute Master" of Lodge St James Tarbolton. Burns was extremely popular and well respected within the lodge and scarcely failed to attend a meeting.Freemasonry actually played a big part in popularising Burns as a poet and spreading the word regarding his works. In 1787, at Lodge St Andrew in Edinburgh, he was received into the Edinburgh Lodges and actually toasted by the "Grand Master" of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. He was later to be granted honorary membership of a great many lodges throughout the north and south of Scotland and remained active in the movement for the rest of his life.
Scotland
A land of much more than haggis, whisky and tartan...
Rabbie Burns travelled extensively throughout Scotland and I have been extremely fortunate to have done likewise. I have seen many beautiful places, from the southern Border country, to the City of Edinburgh, to The Highlands; but for me, the stunning scenery of Argyll and the Western Isles just simply cannot be surpassed...Click on the link below to see a little of what I mean:
Inveraray, Loch Fyne and Argyll
More Eminent Scottish Writers
The following literary giants also hailed from Scotland.
Click on any link to learn more:
Click on any link to learn more:
- Robert Louis Stevenson
- Author of "Treasure Island"
- Sir Walter Scott
- Poet and author
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Creator of Sherlock Holmes
- James M. Barrie
- Creator of Peter Pan
- John Buchan
- Author of The Thirty-Nine Steps
Rabbie Burns - The Final Years
A life cut so tragically short
Rabbie Burns suffered from a heart condition and long standing problems with his health. Perhaps it was the rigours of life as a farmhand in his early years that contributed to his death at the age of only 37 on 21st July, 1796; perhaps it was the rheumatic fever from which he had suffered - no one will ever know for sure. The rumours that abounded at the time and have resulted in much speculation since were and are numerous but are not for repeating here.He is buried in St Michael's Churchyard in the town of Dumfries in Galloway, which had been his home during his latter years.
The Star O' Rabbie Burns - A Fitting Tribute
Words and music by James Thomson and James Booth
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The Music of Rabbie Burns
Brought to you at great prices courtesy of Amazon.com
Do you want to hear more of the compositions of Rabbie Burns? Perhaps you need some music to play at your own Burns' Supper or event?
Have a look at these great deals below. Click on an image for more information, and if appropriate, select the option to transfer to your country's Amazon site.
Have a look at these great deals below. Click on an image for more information, and if appropriate, select the option to transfer to your country's Amazon site.
A Burns Nights Supper
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $12.99
Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle Volume 2: Tunes From The Life & Land of Robert Burns
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $16.99
The Complete Songs of Robert Burns 12 Volume Set
Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $119.99
Eddi Reader Sings the Songs of Robert Burns
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $17.98
"Should auld acquaintance
be forgot...?"
Auld Lang Syne
The traditional song for commemorating the old and celebrating the new
It is a song that is sung regularly around Planet Earth, particularly at the time when we welcome in each New Year - but how many people know that most of it was written by Rabbie Burns? How many know more than a few of the words? How many of those who do know them know what they actually mean?
I was going to video myself singing the song and include it here courtesy of YouTube(!!!)... but then I decided to spare you the experience of passing through that particular pain barrier and decided simply to include the words (and their rough translation) in text form instead:
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
(Should old friends be forgotten,)
And never brought to mind?
(And never be remembered?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
(Should old friends be forgotten,)
And auld lang syne?
(And times and days gone by?)
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
(For times now in the past, my dear,)
For auld lang syne,
(For times now in the past,)
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
(We'll drink a toast of remembrance,)
For auld lang syne!
(For times now in the past!)
And surely you'll be your pint-stowp,
(And you'll pay for your pint tankard,)
And surely I'll be mine,
(And I'll pay for mine,)
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
(And we'll drink a toast of remembrance,)
For auld lang syne!
(For times now in the past!)
We twa hae run about the braes,
(The two of us have run about the hillsides,)
And pou'd the gowans fine,
(And pulled the wild flowers,)
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
(But now we've travelled a far distance apart,)
Sin auld lang syne!
(Since those times now in the past!)
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
(The two of us have paddled in the stream,)
Frae morning sun till dine,
(From early morning until midday,)
But seas between us braid hae roar'd,
(But broad seas now lie between us,)
Sin auld lang syne!
(Since those times now in the past!)
And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
(So take my hand my trusted friend,)
And gie's a hand o thine,
(And give me your hand,)
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
(And we'll take a right good drink together,)
For auld lang syne!
(For times now in the past!)"
I was going to video myself singing the song and include it here courtesy of YouTube(!!!)... but then I decided to spare you the experience of passing through that particular pain barrier and decided simply to include the words (and their rough translation) in text form instead:
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
(Should old friends be forgotten,)
And never brought to mind?
(And never be remembered?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
(Should old friends be forgotten,)
And auld lang syne?
(And times and days gone by?)
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
(For times now in the past, my dear,)
For auld lang syne,
(For times now in the past,)
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
(We'll drink a toast of remembrance,)
For auld lang syne!
(For times now in the past!)
And surely you'll be your pint-stowp,
(And you'll pay for your pint tankard,)
And surely I'll be mine,
(And I'll pay for mine,)
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
(And we'll drink a toast of remembrance,)
For auld lang syne!
(For times now in the past!)
We twa hae run about the braes,
(The two of us have run about the hillsides,)
And pou'd the gowans fine,
(And pulled the wild flowers,)
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
(But now we've travelled a far distance apart,)
Sin auld lang syne!
(Since those times now in the past!)
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
(The two of us have paddled in the stream,)
Frae morning sun till dine,
(From early morning until midday,)
But seas between us braid hae roar'd,
(But broad seas now lie between us,)
Sin auld lang syne!
(Since those times now in the past!)
And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
(So take my hand my trusted friend,)
And gie's a hand o thine,
(And give me your hand,)
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
(And we'll take a right good drink together,)
For auld lang syne!
(For times now in the past!)"
OK, perhaps a short musical version is in order...
But I swear that I take no part in it...
powered by Youtube
Would You Like A Bit of Rabbie Burns on Your MP3 Player?
Have a look at some of the deals currently available
Songs of Robert Burns Vol 1 & 2
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
A Burns Night Supper - Bagpipe Music Cd of Robert Burns Music
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
Songs of Robert Burns
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
Robert Burns: My Love is like a Red, Red Rose
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
Haste ye Back!
Stumble It!
Thank you for your time and your visit.
I hope you have enjoyed something in this extremely cursory look at the life and times of Rabbie Burns and how we remember him today.
I would be very grateful if you could spare just another couple of moments to give me your impressions in the space below.
Slainte mhath!
Lensmaster
Kathryn Devereaux wrote
Thank you. I'm planning a Burns Supper and really appreciated the video about the haggis, and loved the Andy Stewart song (I wish the CD was still available!). I'm glad we can listen to him on this site and learn how the song is best sung. Any chance you have your version of Address to a Haggis available as an mp3 file? I would love to play it during our dinner.-mkdevereaux@hotmail.com.
Posted December 11, 2008
by Gordon_Hamilton
My name is Gordon Hamilton and I am originally from Lanarkshire, south-east of Glasgow.
(more)
