Burns Night is upon us, seeing households across Scotland come together to celebrate the country’s national bard. 

Born in Ayrshire, Robert Burns (or Rabbie Burns) wrote Auld Lang Syne – a song for which is he known all over the world. 

With only hours to go before we whip out the haggis, neeps and tatties, here is everything you need to know about the important day and of the man himself. 

When is Burns Night taking place? 

Glasgow Times: A Burns Supper is accompanied by haggis, neeps and tatties.A Burns Supper is accompanied by haggis, neeps and tatties. (Image: Getty)

Burns Night takes place annually and is set to occur on Thursday, January 25 this year. Burns Suppers are traditionally held on January 25 as this is the date Robert Burns was born in 1759. 

Who is Robert Burns and why is he famous? 

Robert Burns, who was born in Alloway, Ayrshire in 1759, is Scotland’s national poet and well-known globally for writing Auld Lang Syne, a popular song used to mark the beginning of a new year. 

He also penned a number of other works such as Tam O’Shanter and Scots Wha Hea. 

He was also very open about his political views, expressing sympathies with the French during their revolution and advocating for democratic reform in the United Kingdom. 

In recent years, his personal life has raised some eyebrows with his many love affairs becoming a topic of discussion. 

He fathered 12 children with his first being born to Elizabeth “Bless” Burns in 1786. He went on to have relationships with various women. 

Why do we celebrate Burns Night and how did it start? 

The first Burns Supper took place on July 21, 1801, as a way for the poet's friends to remember him and his legacy.

This soon became a regular occurrence and even now there are dozens of Burns Clubs up and down the country which mark his impact on Scottish culture.

Glasgow Times: Robert Burns is commemorated on Scotland's £10 bank note.Robert Burns is commemorated on Scotland's £10 bank note. (Image: Getty)

When did Robert Burns die and what was his cause of death? 

Robert Burns died on July 21, 1796, at the young age of 37 in Dumfries. His passing was preceded by a period of poor health which caused him to age prematurely.

It is possible that Burns' health was impacted by a long-standing rheumatic heart condition which may have coupled with a bacterial infection caused by a tooth abscess.