Robert Burns 1759-1796, the Other Ayrshire Poet

Robert Burns, or Rabbie as he is sometimes known, is a significant iconic figure in Scottish Culture and History and is also know as one of the worlds most famous poets.

Born into a poor family on 25^th January, 1759, in Alloway, Ayr, Burns started his career by working on the family farm. Robert's father recognised the importance of education and together with other friends, a local teacher was hired to educate Burns. Even from an early age Burns began to show signs of his writing talent.

Moving into adulthood Burns was known for his great passion for Scotland and his dynamic and contemporary vision became an important source of inspiration to the founders of both socialism and liberalism.

He later rose to fame, in 1786 when his first works "Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" were published by John Wilson of Kilmarnock, and so began his flourishing career in writing.

Much of the influence for Burns' songs and poetry were gathered from his surroundings, the places he travelled to, the culture and politics of the day and of course the people he loved.

Now, more than 200 years after his death, Robert Burns is still one of the most celebrated men in Scottish culture and social history throughout the world.