2022
Every year on the night of January 25, fans of Scottish poet Robert Burns—who is known for works like New Year’s Eve staple "Auld Lang Syne"—come together to celebrate his birthday in a tradition known as Burns Night. From his hometown of Alloway, Scotland and his final resting place in Dumfries, Scotland to New York City and many places in between, Burns lovers break out the haggis and whisky to toast Scotland’s national bard on this day.
In honor of Friday’s Burns Day, we created a list of spots to pay your respects to Rabbie (as the Scots call him), according to Local Guide recommendations, that you can explore on Google Earth Voyager. Get a sneak peek below.
The Mall and Literary Walk (New York City, New York)
New Yorkers can pay their respects to Scotland's National Bard at Central Park's Literary Walk, which features statues of renowned writers including a bronze Burns sitting on a tree stump with his poem "To Mary in Heaven" at his feet.
Local Guides say:
“Here you'll find a straight avenue lined with monuments of mostly of prominent poets and writers such as Fitz-Greene Halleck, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and William Shakespeare.” —BradJill Travels
Robert Burns Ellisland Farm (Auldgirth, Scotland)
Burns wrote his most famous song, "Auld Lang Syne," here when he lived at the farm with his family from 1788-1791. It has since been turned into a museum featuring a collection of Burns memorabilia and manuscripts. Visit it while in nearby Dumfries for their annual Big Burns Supper, a festival that takes over the town for 11 days at the end of January.
Local Guides say:
“All you need to know about Burns, beautiful scenery and a lovely place to have a stroll by the river too.” —Andrew Edgar
The White Hart Inn (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Considered one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh, Burns stayed here in 1791 when he was visiting his lover, Nancy Maclehose, who was the inspiration behind his popular song "Ae Fond Kiss." Toast him with a dram of whisky and a traditional Burns Night meal of haggis with neeps and tatties (rutabaga and potato).
Local Guides say:
“The White Hart Inn is an Edinburgh must-see if you are at all interested in historic places, Robert Burns or if you just love old pubs. Many claim it is the oldest pub in Edinburgh, dating back from the 1740s, and some say it's haunted. If you are on a pub crawl, it's a must-see and a great little place with a friendly atmosphere and live music.” —Ava Carmichael
Explore the full Google Earth Voyager story here. Have you ever read poems by Robert Burns? Will you be celebrating Burns Night? Tell us in the comments below!
