Every year on 25th January, we raise a glass to Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns ~ reciting poetry, slicing the haggis, and pretending we fully understand Address to a Haggis on the first reading!!
But beyond the famous poems and well-worn stories lies a Burns who was cheeky, superstitious, romantic, and very human.
Here are five lesser-known, light-hearted facts and bits of folklore that add colour to the man behind the verse.
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1. Burns Believed in Witches… and had a Favourite One
Burns didn’t just write about witches ~ he genuinely believed in them. Scotland’s folklore ran deep in Ayrshire, and Burns was fascinated by tales of the supernatural. His most famous witch, of course, is Nannie the Deil (devil) from Tam o’ Shanter, whose rather unfortunate short shirt (‘Cutty Sark’) is immortalised in verse.
Local folklore suggests Burns claimed to have seen witches dancing near Alloway Kirk (possibly after a convivial evening at the inn!), but still…once seen, never forgotten 👀
2. He Wrote Love Songs Faster Than He Could Post Them
Burns was a prolific letter-writer, especially when romance was involved ~ and there was often romance involved. What’s less well known is that he frequently recycled verses between different love interests, adapting the same poem with minor tweaks.
In today’s terms? Robert Burns was essentially copy-pasting love poems….18th-century style. Thankfully, his muses rarely compared notes!! ♥️
3. “Auld Lang Syne” Was Never Meant for Hogmanay
We can’t imagine New Year without it, but Burns didn’t write Auld Lang Syne as a party song. He collected and refined an old folk tune, presenting it as a sentimental reflection on friendship and shared memories.
The hand-holding, arm-crossing tradition came much later. Burns likely never imagined the song being belted out slightly off-key at midnight with a dram in hand ~ though he probably wouldn’t have objected. 🥃.
4. Burns Kept a Pet Sheep (briefly)
While living on his farm at Mossgiel, Burns reportedly kept a pet sheep which followed him around the fields like a dog. Sadly, practical farming realities prevailed, but the story adds to the picture of Burns as a soft-hearted soul ~ especially towards animals.
This tenderness shows up repeatedly in his work, from To a Mouse to The Twa Dogs, reminding us that empathy was central to his worldview. 🐏
5. He Nearly Became a Jamaican Plantation Bookkeeper
One of the most surprising “what ifs” in Burns’ life: before fame found him, he had arranged to emigrate to Jamaica to work as a bookkeeper on a plantation. It was only the unexpected success of his Kilmarnock Edition in 1786 that changed his fate.
Had that book not sold, Scotland might have lost its Bard to the Caribbean, and Burns Suppers as we know them might never have existed. A sobering thought…
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A Bard Worth Celebrating
Robert Burns wasn’t just a poet carved in stone; he was witty, flawed, romantic, curious, and deeply connected to Scottish folklore and everyday life. Perhaps that’s why, over 200 years later, we still feel like we know him.
…..and a wee heads-up for Burns Night outfits and Supper hosts ~ our popular Robert Burns lapel pins are back in stock after a complete sell-out, and now available on the website, along with our unique Burns Lucky Sixpence gifts in two options….Burns Check tartan backdrop or Script design
Perfect for wearing on jackets, scarves, hats etc. or gifting to a fellow Burns fan
Robert Burns Designs Lucky Sixpences
Robert Burns lapel pins on ribbon or tartan cloth
Raise a Glass, enjoy the Poetry and have a wonderful Burns Night!
Jacobite dram glasses with bespoke celtic engraving
Slàinte! 🥃 from Carol @ Scottish Keepsakes
Unique Scottish gifts, handmade in Ayrshire