The Poet
of Common   Humanity

Scottish writer Robert Burns
was most well-known for his poetry, but he also wrote songs, including Auld Lang Syne. 

He was born in Alloway, Ayrshire in 1759, the eldest of seven children, and grew-up on a farm tended by his family.  Burns was tutored by a local man named John Murdoch, and at the age of 15, wrote his first verse.

"Oh, once I lov'd a bonie lass
aye, and I love her still,
And whilst her virtue
warms my breast,
I'll love my handsome Nell."

Robert and his brothers took over the farm in 1784, but it did not last long because Burns wanted to pursue other interests.

He frequently spent time with a woman named Jean Armour who became pregnant with twins.  They later married.

Burns expressed familial love and pride through his poetry.  Even though he considered moving to places like the West Indies, he eventually settled in Edinburgh.  There he recorded his observations on 18th century society, as well as his philosophy on liberty and freedom. 

Burns' poetry promotes Scottish heritage and brotherhood of all.  He died in 1796 before his last child was born.



The 'Auld clay biggin'in Alloway, Ayrshire, built by William Burnes in 1758 and where his wife Agnes gave birth to their first child Robert Burns on the 25th January 1759. Robert lived here till he was seven.