Burns Night 2023: Survey reveals Burns to be Scotlands favourite Scots poet
VisitScotland has teamed up with Scottish acting legend, James Cosmo MBE, to recite Scotland’s favourite Scots poem (as voted for by 1000 Scots).
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 12 January 2023 11:42
• Scottish acting legend, James Cosmo, teams up with VisitScotland to recite Robert Burns’ ‘To a Mouse’
• 9 in 10 Scots say that they have fond memories of learning Scots poems and songs at school
• 9 in 10 Scots say that they could read and listen to Scots poems and understand what most of the words mean
To celebrate all things Scots poetry ahead of the celebrations for 2023’s Burns Night (25th January), VisitScotland has teamed up with Scottish acting legend James Cosmo MBE, who has appeared in some 130 Hollywood movies, including the likes of Game of Thrones, Trainspotting, Braveheart, Narnia and many more to recite Scotland’s favourite Scots poem, ‘To a Mouse’ by Robert Burns.
For Scotland’s national bard (poet) Robert Burns’ birthday, the national tourism organisation surveyed 1000 Scottish adults to pinpoint precisely which Scots poems are their favourites and how they felt about learning Scots poetry at school.
The survey found that Scotland’s favourite Scots poem is ‘To a Mouse’ by Robert Burns, with more than a fifth (22%) of Scots saying this was their number one.
To view the video of James reciting the poem, please click the VisitScotland link HERE.
Robert Burns composed some of the world’s most instantly recognisable lines of poetry and song lyrics. His words have been cherished and passionately recited for the past two centuries, from us saying we will ‘tak a cup o’ kindness’ when we sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ to welcome in each new year to poems with the subject matter of man, mouse, or even a louse.
The tradition of children learning Scots poems and songs at school is longstanding and embedded in Scottish culture, so much so that it is part of the Scottish school curriculum.
Whether belting traditional Scottish songs in assembly, singing a cheeky Scots street song in the playground or reciting all 228 lines of Robert Burns’ ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ from memory, most Scots will have some recollection of the Scots language from their school days.
The research uncovered that a whopping 9 in 10 (86%) Scots say that they have fond memories of learning Scots poems and songs at school.
A further 9 in 10 (91%) Scots say 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 with Scottish people well into their adulthood.
Scotland’s top 10 favourite Scots poems.
VisitScotland found that 7 out of 10 of Scotland’s favourite Scots poems were by our national bard, Robert Burns! Other poets included in the top 10 favourites are Walter Wingate, Billy Keys and J.K. Annand.
See the top 10 results below: Ranking / Poem / Weight
1 - To a Mouse by Robert Burns - 22%
2 - Tam O'Shanter by Robert Burns - 21%
3 - A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns - 11%
4 - Address to the Haggis by Robert Burns - 9%
5 - A Man’s a Man for a’ That by Robert Burns - 6%
6 - The Sair Finger by Walter Wingate - 4%
7 - A Dug, A Dug by Billy Keys - 4%
8 - To a Louse by Robert Burns - 3%
9 - Willie Wastle by Robert Burns - 2%
10 - The Crocodile by J. K. Annand - 2%
Speaking about the importance of teaching Burns in schools, James 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.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Dobbies Dunfermline store to host National Vegetable Society Championships
Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline is opening its doors to the National Vegetable Society, having been unveiled as the host of the Scottish Branch Championships for 2025.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews Launches Charity Golf Open
Fairmont St Andrews invites golfers to tee off for a cause with the launch of the inaugural Fairmont Golf Open, held in proud collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Volunteer cycles 1k miles for The Wave Project to mark turning 60
Steve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Mindful Art: A New Creative Wellness Business in Fife
Mindful Art, a pioneering creative wellness business, offers a unique approach to mental and physical well-being through the power of art.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Cambo Presents Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar at Pittenweem Arts Festival
Cambo is proud to present Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar, a powerful exhibition showcasing the work of artists and artisans from Myanmar (Burma), at this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
117 year old family gelato maker and pioneering distillery collaborate to create unique wild botanical sorbets
Highland Boundary and Jannetta's, join forces to create a series of sorbets, bringing the authentic taste of Scotland's native landscape directly to the people of St Andrews.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews sets up for a SmurfTastic summer to celebrate the upcoming release
From Smurf-inspired activity trails to creative dining moments and blue-hued treats, dive into a playful world of imagination and cinematic fun this summer at Fairmont St Andrews!
READ MORE
Forth Awards open nominations for local heroes across Edinburgh, Fife and Falkirk
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has opened nominations for its local hero awards, aiming to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
READ MORE
Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.
READ MORE
Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run
Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!
READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links