‘Robert Burns’ 1785 poem, ‘Scotch Drink’, celebrates Scotch and portrays it as one of the few great things in life.
Robert Burns may have been born in Alloway, Ayrshire but he did have strong links to Arran. No doubt he would be delighted to have a whisky named after him; The Isle of Arran Distillers is home of the Robert Burns Single Malt.
Burns song ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as being one of the top three most popular songs in the English language – the others are ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’.
Tam O’ Shanter shows Burns’ sense of humour by telling the tale of a man who stayed too long in a pub and began to see strange things.
The world’s first ever Burns Supper took place at Burns Cottage in 1801.
Burns’ favourite pub was reputedly The Globe Inn, Dumfries. It boasts a bedroom where he is said to have stayed.
Robert Burns was the first person to be seen on the side of a Coca-Cola bottle. This is the only time that the brand has designated a label design to one nation.
Burns’ recognised the relationship between Scotland’s strength and courage and the bold, fiery nature of whisky when he wrote,
“Whisky and freedom gang thegither”.
Burn’s net worth on his death was calculated at just £1.
A 2009 STV poll voted Robert Burns the Greatest Ever Scot above William Wallace, Alexander Fleming, Jock Stein and fifth-place David Tennant.
Bob Dylan selected Burns’ 1794 song ‘A Red, Red Rose’ when he was asked about his greatest creative inspiration.
There are more public statues of Robert Burns around the world than any other writer. After Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Robert Burns has had more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other non-religious figure.
Robert Burns originally spelled his name Burnes
A miniature book of Burns’ poems was carried into orbit by astronaut, Nick Patrick, on a two week space mission back in 2010. Patrick completed a 5.7 million mile trip and 217 orbits of the Earth.
After Burns’ body was exhumed in 1815, it was found that his skull measured more than the average man’s.
Glasgow’s Mitchell Library is home to the world’s largest Burns’ collection.
