Robert Burns

Scotland's most well-known poet was born in January 25, 1759 and dies on July  21,1796). He is known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet and various other names. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is in English and a light Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these writings his political or civil commentary is often at its bluntest.

In addition to writing tunes he also collected and adapted many traditional Scottish folk tunes. He often put his own poets to traditional tunes. His song "ScotsWha Hae" has often been considered an informal national anthem.

His birthday (January 25th) is an important time for celebration in Scotland.