SPONSORED: 14 wee sleekit facts about Rabbie Burns

*Sponsored by Dunkeld House Hotel which is organising a special Wine Dinner on Burns Night.

Each year we celebrate the birth of our Bard, Robert Burns. We may think we know the nation’s poet, but how much do we really know about ‘Rabbie’?

Here we have compiled a list of fascinating and unusual facts about Burns – and Burns Night – to give you something else to think about on January 25 when you are enjoying your haggis and drams…

1. Burnes Night?

Did you know that Robert ‘Burns’ is not actually his real name? He initially spelled his named ‘Burnes’.

2. 260th birthday

If Burns was alive today, he would be celebrating his 260th birthday on January 25!

3. Uncle’s death

The poet’s uncle, also Robert Burnes, died just three weeks before his nephew’s 30th birthday and he is currently buried in Laigh Cemetery in Stewarton.

4. Helping hand

Did you know that after his uncle Robert passed away, Robert is said to have helped his cousins (John, William and Fanny Burnes) gain employment?

5. It’s a ‘syne’

Many people are unaware that Burns actually wrote Auld Lang Syne – our traditional Scottish song often sung at Hogmanay and at the end of weddings, parties and family celebrations.

6. World famous

Burns Clubs are now established all over the world in far flung places. The Robert Burns World Federation, which aims to “advance public knowledge and education about the life, poetry and works of Robert Burns”, has more than 250 member clubs.

7. Burns Down Under

Did you know that the Burns Club in Canberra, the capital city of Australia is believed to be the longest functioning organisation in Canberra’s history – as the club is 95 years old this year (2019) while Canberra itself was established 105 years old?

8. Statue success

There are more than 60 statues dedicated to Robert Burns, erected across the world (that includes at least 20 in Scotland), making him the third most remembered non-religious figure (after Christopher Columbus and Queen Victoria)!

9. Breath of fresh ‘Ayr’

The most famous Burns statue is in Burns Statue Square in Ayr, just outside his hometown of Alloway (pictured above). Earlier this year it was reported that the future of the Square and High Street in Ayr is currently under discussion as regeneration experts plans to redesign the space.

10. Gone too soon

The poet never lived long enough to see his 40th birthday, as he died on July 21, 1796, at the age of 37.

11. Jamaica plan

Did you know that Burns was planning on emigrating from Scotland to Jamaica? But he chose to remain in Scotland when his collection of poems (the Kilmarnock Volume) sold well. This was the first published edition of his work and 612 copies were printed.

12. Haggis history

Burns is said to have made haggis famous because the poet wrote an ode (Address to a Haggis) about the Scottish dish, and that is why we eat it all over the world on Burns Night.

13. Multi-million-pound dish

Did you know that the world’s best-selling haggis producer sells around £3million-worth of haggis each year?!

14. International delicacy

Interestingly, six out of 10 haggises that are purchased are actually sold outside Scotland!

Your invitation to a Wine Dinner at Dunkeld

Celebrate Burns Night in Perthshire with a delicious Wine Dinner at the luxurious Dunkeld House Hotel (pictured above), nestled on the banks of the River Tay.

Enjoy an evening with our wine supplier Matthew Clark as each glass is paired with a 5 course menu specially created by our chef to accompany the selection of drinks.

After an evening of enjoyment at the recently refurbished hotel extend your experience and spend the night, retiring to the stylish bedrooms before awaking to a full Scottish breakfast the next morning.

Walk in the stunning grounds along the banks of the River Tay and make use of our Health Club with a dip in the heated pool, relax in the spa or workout in the gym.

Book your place for the Dunkeld House Hotel Wine Dinner on Friday 25th January for £59 per person. Add an overnight stay from £57.50 per person.*

To book call 01350 728338 or visit the Burns Night Wine Dinner at Dunkeld House Hotel visit the website by clicking here.

*Terms and Conditions: Rate is only available for stays on Friday 25th January 2019 and is based on two people sharing a double or a twin room. Offer is subject to availability. Full prepayment is required at the time of booking, no refunds or amendments.