Scotland celebrates the 250th Anniversary of Robert Burns
Scotland’s most loved poet will be honoured at venues all over Scotland throughout 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth. Amongst the first of the poets to write in dialect, his most famous song must be ‘Auld Lang Syne’, sung throughout the world to herald the start of a new year. Born in Ayrshire, Burns spent many days travelling around Scotland to gather inspiration for his verse.
Birthday celebrations will begin in towns and cities throughout Scotland on the 25th January, better known as Burns Night; songs, dancing, poetry recitals and a Haggis Supper accompanied by plenty of whisky will be the order of the day for Burns fans across the world. A two-day festival in Edinburgh (25-26 January 2009), promises to be one long birthday party with plenty of special events planned. To join in the fun, book your hotel in Edinburgh early or you may be too late.
To find out more about Robert Burns, head for the Burns National Heritage Park near Alloway in Ayrshire to see the cottage where he was born and a wonderful museum displaying amongst other treasures, the original manuscript of ‘Auld Lang Syne’. To get a real feel for why Scots are so proud of Burns, why just reading one of his poems takes them right back to their roots, find a hotel in Ayreshire and take time to explore the hills and valleys, coastline and mountains of Robert Burns’ home county.
