Rabbie, The Bard, The Ploughman Poet... or simply Robert Burns. His words are quoted, sung, toasted and recited at the end of every January, the world over.
But how much do we really know about Scotland’s most famous poet?
Do our quiz and find out. Maybe do a quick fire round at the supper table if you're throwing a relaxed Burns gathering. Or... fancy entering a competition?
If you email me the correct answers to the 9 questions below (simply email each question number and correct letter for each answer) I'll enter your name into a prize draw to win a beautiful Made Scotland Cheese and Nibbles Gift Box worth £75. Competition ends at 11.59 on 25th January 2026. The prize can only be sent to a UK or Ireland address.
Email: enquiries@madescotland.com
And if you find yourself wanting a few extra Scottish facts along the way, our fantastic little hardback, 'I Never Knew That About Scotland' is perfect for that and for sale on our website.
Have fun!
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What does Burns Night celebrate?
A. The publication of Burns’s first poetry collection
B. Robert Burns’s birthday
C. The day Robert Burns died
D. The founding of the Burns Club -
Which Burns poem is traditionally read when the haggis is brought to the table?
A. Tam o’ Shanter
B. A Man’s a Man for A’ That
C. Address to a Haggis
D. Holy Willie’s Prayer -
Where was Robert Burns born?
A. Dumfries
B. Ayr
C. Alloway
D. Kilmarnock -
Which job did Robert Burns train for before poetry took over?
A. Schoolteacher
B. Farmer
C. Lawyer
D. Minister -
Which of these works is not by Robert Burns?
A. To a Mouse
B. Ae Fond Kiss
C. The Road Not Taken
D. A Red, Red Rose -
What animal famously features in one of Burns’s best-known poems?
A. A dog
B. A horse
C. A mouse
D. A stag -
Which song is most associated with Burns worldwide, even though he did not write it entirely himself?
A. Scots Wha Hae
B. Auld Lang Syne
C. My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
D. Ye Banks and Braes -
Burns was known for writing in which language style?
A. Pure English
B. Latin
C. Broad Scots
D. Gaelic -
Robert Burns often wrote about…
A. Kings, castles and power
B. Nature and everyday people
C. Battles and war
D. Strict religious rules
