Robbie Burns

Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 - 1796). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Robert Burns, the eldest son of Scottish poet Robert Burns and Jean Armour, 1795. He was born on 3rd September 1786. Engraving by C. Cook from a 'Kerry Miniature'. (Photo by Kean Collection/Getty Images)

circa 1786: Scottish poet Robbie Burns (1759 - 1796) in his cottage composing 'The Cotter's Saturday Night'. Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, the son of a farmer. In 1786 he published 'Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect' with a view to raising funds to emigrate to the West Indies. The success of the volume induced him to stay. He married Jean Armour, the mother of his children in 1788. Burns farmed at Ellisland until 1791 and also worked for the Excise Service to supplement his income. Most of his later literary work consisted of songs and he wrote many of his most famous works for 'A Collection of Original Scottish Airs' which included 'Auld Lang Syne', 'A Red, Red Rose' and 'Scots Wha Hae'. Burns died on July 21st 1796. His life and work are celebrated on Burns Night, 25th January. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

1788: Tam O'Shanter riding his mare from the 'hellish legions'. 'Ae spring brought off her master hale But left behind her ain gray tail'. An episode from the narrative verse by Robbie Burns. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

1786: Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 - 1796). Original Artwork: Painted by P Taylor and engraved by J Horsburgh. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

circa 1795: Scottish poet and writer of traditional Scottish folk songs Robert Burns (1759 - 1796). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

circa 1790: Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 - 1796). Original Artwork: Painted by William Anderson. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)