Acting legend James Cosmo has filmed a stirring recital of To A Mouse as the Robert Burns poem was revealed to be Scotland’s favourite.
The Braveheart star hailed the bard’s legacy ahead of the annual celebrations for Burns Night on January 25, after Visit Scotland surveyed 1000 Scottish adults to find out their favourite Scots poems.
Burns’ To a Mouse came out on top, with more than a fifth (22%) of Scots saying this was their number one. Tam O’Shanter came in second, followed by A Red, Red Rose.
Seven out of ten of Scotland’s favourite Scots poems were by Burns, with the other poets included in the top ten being Walter Wingate, Billy Keys and J.K. Annand.
The research uncovered that nine in ten (86%) Scots say that they have fond memories of learning Scots poems and songs at school.
A further nine in ten (91%) said that they could read and listen to Scots poems and understand what most of the words mean, suggesting that learning Scots poems in school is a skill that sticks well into adulthood.
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Speaking about the importance of teaching Burns in schools, Cosmo said: “It’s so important that our children still read Burns… and that language that is so rich and vibrant can’t be lost.
“It’s way too important. It’s what brings us together; it has a warmth and a beauty about it that can’t be replicated.
“Burns remains with us because he speaks of eternal truths and speaks to the human spirit and soul so clearly that I can’t think of another poet that has done that in such a special way.
“So, keeping Robert Burns and his work alive in the school room is incredibly important.”
Cat Leaver, Head of Brand and Global Marketing at VisitScotland said: “The words of Robert Burns have touched the hearts and minds of people the world over and Burns Night continues to be a global celebration of Scottish culture.
“Whether it is attending an event, visiting an attraction associated with Burns or hosting your own Burns Night dinner, there are so many ways to honour our National Bard.
“This research shows the lasting impression Robert Burns and the wider Scots language has on people right across the country and it’s fantastic to see so many respondents share fond memories of learning these poems.
“They are an important part of our cultural heritage and one of the many things that makes Scotland so special.”
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