Robert Burns -Scotlands National Poet
- Brian Collie
- Jan 26, 2015
- 2 min read
Yesterday, in Scotland, and the rest of the world, we celebrated the birthday of Scotlands greatest Poet, Robert Burns.
A Burns Supper, is a rather formal affrair. The attire is formal Highland Dress, there are serveral speeches to be made, such as the 'Immortal Memery', 'Address tae the Lassies' and a 'reply on behalf o' the lassies, tae the Laddies'.
Dinner is then served, traditionally 'piped in' on a silver platter, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties!
The Haggis has to be addressed before the ceremonial 'cutting o' the beast, a nine versed poem, 'To a Haggis'. Many of you who have already been on my tours may have heard me recite
Some of you may never have heard his name, but, you would have sang his songs, and made statements and quotes used as everyday ccommon expressions. You would know the 'New Year' anthem 'Auld Lang Syne', quotes from the classic novel 'Of Mice and Men' which are inspired by Burns poem ' To a Mouse'!
Burns ideology was seized upon the Russian people as being one of the worlds first socialist thinkers!
He would wander the country on his Scottish tours taking inspiration in everyone and everything!
"Och wee scourin' timourous beastie, whit's thay panic in thy breastie" refers to a little mouse, building his home and trying to feed his family in a farmers field..but then the cold, heartless, capitalist farmer ploughs his field with no regard for the Mouse , in order to make money!
The fine Edinburgh people in the 18th century referred to Burns as the 'Heaven Taught ploughman', he was articulate, handsome and had charisma in bucketloads. With his charm, good looks and rising fame, he took advantage of this to bed countless women, he had many children from different ladies. He earned a great deal, but spent even more. On his deathbed, Burns received notification of debts which he could not repay.
When Scotland regained its Parliament in 1999, there were two songs performed at the ceremony, both by Robert Burns. 'A mans a man for a' that' which some say should be Scotlands National Anthem when we finally regain our independence. The other song was called 'A parcel of Rugues in a Nation', referring to thise people who betrayed Scotland in 1707. They sold their souls for English gold.
If you haven't already, raise a glass tae the bard!
Let Personal Tours of Scotand take you to Burns Country!
