JANUARY 2021

Some people never die…… A tribute to our Scottish Poet

Robert Burns is Scotland’s most renowned poet who started writing poems at the age of 15. He was lovingly known as Rabbie Burns. A farmer’s son born in Alloway in 1759, still remembered for the fantastic legacy he has left through his literary work. Robert Burns’ work not only depicts his passion for writing and freedom of speech. Out of the millions and millions of people in the world, there are only a few who become immortal. The national poet of Scotland is one among them.

Year on year people rejoice in his work and celebrate his birthday as Burns Night.  Burns’ supper is famous all over Scotland. People gather, recite his poems, dance to Ceilidh, and enjoy the Haggis served at the supper. The festivities around Burns’ night are something everyone looks forward to.

This year we mark Burns’ night with our very own production, the Community Companion project wherein community members have come together to share their recollection of Robert Burns.

Click on the image below to watch the video.

Quiz on Robert Burns

Prepared with the help of resources available online by Anukriti Jariwala

1.       Why do we eat Haggis on Burns night?

2.       What did Robert Burn pass away from? Where is Robert Burns buried?

3.       Do you remember his birthplace?

4.       What is the meaning of ‘Auld Lang Syne’?

5.       The poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ references which natural phenomenon in the sky?

6.       What was Robert’s original family name?

7.       Who did Robert marry and in which year?

8.       What was Robert Burns’ post in 1789-1796?

9.       What Burns' work provided the title for a Ken Loach directed film?

10.   Which US president is said to have been able to recite Burns by heart?

11.   How old was Burns when he died in 1796?

12.   Who did Burns refer to as "the jewel o' them a'"?

13.   What was the horse in Tam O'Shanter called?

14.   How many children did he have?

15.   Robert Burns was voted "The Greatest Scot" by viewers of Scottish TV (STV) in which year?

Answers to the Quiz:

1.       Haggis is a very nourishing meal and cost-effective to prepare.

2.       Rheumatic fever. Dumfries

3.       Alloway

4.       Old long since

5.       Aurora Borealis

6.       Burness

7.       Jane Armour

8.       Exciseman

9.       Ae Fond Kiss

10.   Abraham Lincoln

11.   37

12.   Jane Armour

13.   Maggie and meg

14.   12

15.   2009