TONIGHT’S the night Scots all over the world tuck into haggis, neeps and tatties in honour of the great bard Robert Burns.
Widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet, Burns is a cultural icon with his works famous around the globe.
The first ever Burns Supper was held in 1801 on the fifth anniversary of the poet’s death as nine of his acquaintances met for a dinner to celebrate his life.
The night at Burns Cottage in Alloway was a roaring success, and the group met again in January 1802 for a birthday celebration for the bard.
READ MORE: Facts about the Bard’s big day that may surprise you
It became an annual event, with suppers spreading across Ayrshire and Scotland, and then the world.
252 years on from his birth, Burns remains one of Scotland’s most famed writers.
He beat William Wallace to the title of ‘Greatest Scot’ in a 2009 STV poll and has over 60 statues dedicated to him worldwide, including several in Scotland and one in New York’s Central Park.
In terms of non-religious figures, he’s the third most popular figure behind Christopher Columbus and Queen Victoria.
Here’s a look at how he’s being celebrated on social media today – we wonder what Rabbie would think of Twitter!
Scotland’s First Minister shares some verse
Happy #Burns Day
"For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That Man to Man, the world o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that"— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 25, 2017
And shares some of his history.
25 January is #BurnsNight2017, @ScotGovFM @NicolaSturgeon marks the celebration of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, in this video pic.twitter.com/N9DUdI63ej
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 25, 2017
Brits posted abroad took part in a recital
Members of the armed forces and @foreignoffice staff celebrate the Bard with 'Address to a Haggis'. #BurnsNight2017 @DefenceHQ pic.twitter.com/2msS4s7TKl
— UK Gov Scotland (@UKGovScotland) January 25, 2017
Police are investigating an incident – with the suspect a T. O’Shanter…
We're appealing for info following a bizarre report of a public disorder incident earlier today: https://t.co/onO5PrcxQx #BurnsNight
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) January 25, 2017
Artist Neil Slorance shares his tips for the perfect haggis – in 2D form
I little how-to I made last year. Have a great Burns Night everyone! pic.twitter.com/jxfJ4XFYts
— Neil Slorance (@neilslorance) January 25, 2017
Star striker Burns gets a call-up for Gordon Strachan’s next Scotland squad
The honest heart that's free frae a'
Intended fraud or guile,
However Fortune kick the ba',
Has aye some cause to smile.#BurnsNight2017 pic.twitter.com/0GpthMTaBt— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) January 25, 2017
Feeling hungry yet?
Happy Burns Night! We've croissants filled with haggis, garlic mushrooms & pea shoots #burnsnight #auldalliance #leith pic.twitter.com/53aNuAqHW4
— Manna House Bakery (@mannahousebaker) January 25, 2017
It’s a truly worldwide celebration – even if you’re stuck in Springfield
Get yer neeps and tatties oot! #BurnsNight pic.twitter.com/bYCVqQP8sJ
— Tim Frost (@TimFrost23) January 25, 2017
And some people chose an alternative Burns to celebrate…
https://twitter.com/SeanMcL91/status/824191334470864896
Happy Burns Night to everybody celebrating. Hope you have an… excellent day!#RobertBurns pic.twitter.com/N84zt8PYlS
— Oven Restaurant Middlesbrough (@ovenboro) January 25, 2017
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