Robert Burns (1759–96)

Known in Scotland as ‘The Bard’, Robert Burns was a Scottish poet. He wrote in the Scots language, English with some Scottish words, and standard English. He also revised a lot of traditional folk songs by changing or adding lyrics. Burns’ best-known work is probably the song Auld Lang Syne , which is sung by people in the UK and other countries when they are celebrating the New Year (or Hogmanay as it is called in Scotland).