As any Scot worth their tartan will tell you, the 18th century poet Robert Burns is a vital force in Scottish culture. Renowned for his iconic poems and songs, Burns was a literary wonder, which is why his birthday has become a national celebration in his homeland.
Burns Night, celebrated on 25 January every year, is a nationwide event involving recitals of the poet’s works, a traditional Burns Supper with haggis, drams of whisky and dance-packed ceilidhs.
But you don’t have to to wait until Burns Night to enjoy this Scottish icon. There are easyJet services from Jersey to Glasgow and Edinburgh, and seasonal Loganair services from Guernsey to Glasgow and Edinburgh, so why not fly to Scotland and discover more about the famous bard for yourself?
If you want to follow in Rabbie Burns’ footsteps, here are some great places to start:
The Globe Inn, Dumfries
This gorgeous old pub was one of Burns’ favourite haunts . So pull up a chair, enjoy a dram or two and be sure to check out the pub’s own little museum dedicated to its most famous former patron.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway in Ayrshire
Tour the historical village and landmarks in Burns’ old home town, and step inside Burns Cottage where the poet was born in 1759. The interactive museum has the world’s most important collection of Burns artefacts and works, which are cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
The Writers’ Museum and Makars’ Court, Edinburgh
This museum is dedicated to the lives and works of Scotland’s greatest literary legends. In addition to enjoying Burns, you can learn more about Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, among others.
Burns House Museum, Mauchline in East Ayrshire
This is the house where Burns lived during the most creative period in his life. Now a museum, it houses manuscripts, objects and other publications and uses them to piece together the story of his life during this era.
Bachelor’s Club, Tarbolton
Robert Burns learned to dance and debate in this authentically restored house, which is now looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. This 17th-century house was where Burns co-founded the Tarbolton Bachelors’ Club, and a typical 18th century dwelling has been re-created on the lower floor, complete with period furnishings.
