Poet Robert Burns, born January 25, 1759 is considered one of the most famous characters of Scotland's cultural history. He is best known as a pioneer of the Romantic movement. Despite being born a poor tenant farmer he was able to channel his intellectual capacity into poetry and songs.

Having a rudimentary education, he was encouraged to read Shakespeare and Milton by his parents.

In 1791, he published “Tam O’Shanter,” a slightly veiled autobiographical story of a ne’er-do-well farmer, which is now considered a masterpiece of narrative poetry.

Robert Burns' works have inspired the titles of two famous novels. JD Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' is based on the poem 'Comin Thro the Rye' while John Steinbeck took the title of his book 'Of Mice and Men' from Burns' poem 'To a Mouse'.

Never in good health, he had several bouts with illness, possibly attributed to a lifelong heart condition. On the morning of July 21, 1796, Burns died in Dumfries at age 37.

The fact that Robbie Burns' work is loved so much, his birthday is celebrated all over the world on January 25th. Highlights of any Robbie Burns festival often include the bagpipes, Scotsmen in kilts and the reading of Burns' poem, "To A Haggis." But no Robbie Burns' feast would be complete without the dish of choice - haggis

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