Robert Burns – Scotland’s national poet

The life of Robert Burns is central to the Homecoming Scotland theme. 2009 is the 250th anniversary of his birth in Alloway, Ayrshire. His birthplace, Burns Cottage has been a place of pilgrimage for more than 200 years. Though it gives an insight into the humble circumstances of farming life in 18th-century Scotland, it is only one of a large number of places associated with the poet and his poetic achievements. They will play their part in the 2009 celebrations of the poet’s life, featuring a wide-ranging programme of music, comedy and the arts – all themes that Burns himself would have enjoyed!

  • Scotland’s own ‘ploughman poet; Robert Burns (1759-1796) is celebrated in his homeland in a way that differs from any other poet. In Scotland and far beyond, on the anniversary of his birth (January 25th) Scots gather together for a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, what Burns himself described s ‘hamely fare’ (ordinary/homely food). These Burns Suppers first started shortly after the poet’s death and have continued (and grown) ever since.
  • Burns’ contribution to serious literature was as a shrewd and satirical observer of his fellow-man and his foibles. He also wrote sentimental and lyrical pieces (of varying quality!) and collected, arranged and amended many of Scotland's traditional folk songs. Probably the most important theme which ran through much of his work was his belief in the universal brotherhood of man.
  • This brotherhood of man theme is to be found in one of his most famous songs ‘A Man’s a Man for A’ That’  Shortly after it was written, it became an anthem of the slavery abolitionists. Two centuries later, it was sung at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.  And it is a rallying call for ‘Affinity Scots’ – a brotherhood across the world who identify with Scotland.
  • Had it not been for the sudden success of his first book of poems published in 1786 (The ‘Kilmarnock Edition’), Burns himself would have emigrated. He had a passage booked to Jamaica, where he was to be a book-keeper on an estate. His song ‘Will Ye Go to the Indies, My Mary’ is a reference to this pivotal time in his own life. The Mary here is ‘Highland Mary’ – Mary Campbell – just one of many women in Burns’ life!
  • The now famous poet in 1787 met in Edinburgh the sophisticated, well-educated Mrs MacLehose. The famous flirtation, by letter only, (as Burns was confined to his lodgings with a leg injury!) also inspired the famous ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ - sometimes described as Scotland’s finest song of parting.

The Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme will formally kick off on the weekend of Robert Burns’ 250th anniversary with events taking place across Scotland. At the heart of the festivities in Alloway, the birthplace of the bard, the Homecoming Burns Supper will honour Burns himself as well as those who keep his legacy alive in Scotland and across the world today.

Alloway will also host Iconic Burns, a spectacular outdoor event that will bring to life images and poetic visions of the Bard. thousands of people across Scotland will be celebrating Scotland’s inspirational poet, Robert Burns, at a number of events including Glasgow’s Celtic Connections - Scotland’s biggest winter music festival, the Burns Light lantern procession in Dumfries and Zig Zag, a major exhibition of some 36,000 Burns artefacts that will tour the country from January to November.

You can also participate in the celebrations by helping us establish a new World Record for the greatest number of Burns suppers ever held! The World Famous Burns Supper Celebration in association with The Famous Grouse will unite both experienced Burnsians and Burns novices worldwide encouraging them to come together online, registering their celebrations – big, small, traditional or unusual at www.burnssupper2009.com in a truly global tribute to the great bard.

Clan Tours are well placed to provide a custom coach hire service for your Homecoming requirements. Clan Tours can take you on a guided tour through the conuntry of Burns, visiting many of the landmarks made famous in Burns' songs and prose.

Places to visit

  • Burns Cottage and museum - Birthplace of Robert Burns
  • Auld Kirk Alloway - Setting of Tam O'Shanter
  • Auld Brig o' Doon, Alloway - Tam O'Shanter
  • Tam O'Shanter Experience - New visitors centre
  • Burns Monument and Gardens - Overlooking Brig O'Doon
  • Bachelors Club, Tarbolton - Where Burns and six friends formed a Literary Society in 1780
  • Souter Johnie's Cottage - Kirkoswald
  • Burns House and Museum - Mauchline
  • National Burns Memorial Tower - Mauchline
  • Rozelle House and Galleries - with the Goudie Collection of paintings illustrating Robert Burns epic poem 'Tam O'Shanter'. Located in Alloway close to all the Burns' landmarks, it's well worth a visit.