Poems for Burns Night: Celebrating Scotland's Bard with Timeless and Modern Works

Ah, Burns Night—a cherished celebration of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns! This annual tradition brings people together to enjoy hearty food, Scottish whisky, and poetry. Burns' verses have an unparalleled way of capturing love, humor, and the simple joys of life, making poetry the heart of the evening. This article curated the ultimate selection of 20 poems for Burns Night 2025 to make your unforgettable. 

Burns Night is a beloved Scottish tradition celebrated every year on January 25th, honoring the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet. The festivities center around a lively gathering featuring traditional Scottish food, music, and readings of Burns' renowned poetry. Key moments include the ceremonial presentation of Haggis, heartfelt toasts to the Bard, and the singing of  "Auld Lang Syne."  This celebration takes place worldwide, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and lasting influence of Robert Burns.

No Poems for Burns Night celebration is complete without the iconic “Auld Lang Syne.” This cherished Burns Night poem, sung on both New Year’s Eve and Burns Night, pays tribute to friendship and shared memories. Just imagine the room joining hands and singing along—it truly creates a magical atmosphere!

Excerpt:

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne!"

Scotland's runner-up for the most cherished Scots poem is Robert Burns' "Tam O’Shanter," a lively narrative that perfectly exemplifies Poems for Burns Night. Set in the vibrant town of Ayr, the poem follows Tam, a farmer with a penchant for drinking with his pals at the local tavern. The night unfolds with Tam riding home, inebriated, on his loyal horse, Maggie, as the narrator reveals the reckless antics of Tam, particularly his disregard for his wife, who is anxiously awaiting his return with a mix of anger and concern.

Excerpt:

“This truth fand honest Tam o’ Shanter,

As he frae Ayr ae night did canter.”

Claiming third place among Scotland's beloved Scots poems is "A Red, Red Rose," arguably one of Burns’ most romantic works, reportedly written for his wife, Jean Armour. This heartfelt piece is a highlight in the repertoire of Poems for Burns Night, as Burns fervently expresses his profound affection for her, likening his love to a blooming rose and affirming its eternal nature. While the poem hints at the possibility of separation, it culminates with a powerful reassurance that his love will endure, regardless of the distance between them.

Excerpt:

“And I will come again, my luve, Though it were ten thousand mile.”

In fourth place is "Address to the Haggis," a beloved Burns Night Haggis poem frequently recited at Poems for Burns Night celebrations just before the start of the Burns Supper. During this cherished tradition, guests pay homage to the haggis by presenting Burns' witty verses as the dish is brought to the table. Composed in 1786, this lighthearted ode reflects Burns' admiration for haggis, solidifying the enduring connection between the poet and this iconic Scottish dish.

Excerpt:

"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,

Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!"

Robert Burns' "To a Mouse" proudly holds the title of Scotland's most beloved Scots poem, with over one-fifth of Scots citing it as their cherished childhood favorite. As one of the most popular Poems for Burns Night, this eight-verse piece, written in November 1785, tells a poignant story centered around a mouse. The narrator—likely a reflection of Burns himself—accidentally destroys the mouse's nest while plowing a field. Beyond its seemingly simple premise, the poem resonates with profound themes of empathy and compassion, showcasing Burns’ deep respect for all living beings and highlighting his humanity.

Excerpt:

"The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men

Gang aft agley."

The brief yet poignant song "Ye Banks an' Braes o' Bonnie Doon" delves into the contrast between the serene beauty of the natural world and the speaker's heavy heart, burdened by the pain of unfaithful love. While the landscape remains vibrant and joyful—filled with cheerful birdsong—the narrator grapples with deep sorrow and concern. As one of the cherished Poems for Burns Night, Robert Burns crafted three distinct versions of this beloved poem, reflecting different shades of emotion and experience. You can explore the third version linked above, offering yet another glimpse into the enduring themes of love and loss that resonate throughout his work.

Excerpt:

"Ye banks and braes o’ bonie Doon,

How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?

How can ye chant, ye little birds,

And I sae weary fu’ o’ care!"

Burns once again claims the spotlight with "A Man’s a Man for a’ That," which ranks as Scotland's 7th favorite Scots poem. This celebrated piece is a highlight among Poems for Burns Night, emphasizing Burns' progressive view of society. It conveys the powerful message that a person's true value is not determined by their social standing, wealth, or material possessions. Advocating for equality among all, many critics argue that the poem remains as relevant to contemporary society as it was during Burns' time.

Excerpt:

“ Is there for honest Poverty

That hings his head, an’ a’ that;

The coward-slave, we pass him by,

We dare be poor for a’ that!

For a’ that, an’ a’ that.”

Often confused with the more popular "To a Mouse," Robert Burns's "To a Louse" offers a distinctly different perspective. Often featured in Poems for Burns Night, this humorous poem describes a head louse that Burns notices crawling on a woman's hat during church. Through his observations, Burns highlights how the louse is indifferent to human class distinctions, treating everyone the same—merely viewing them as potential hosts. This serves as a poignant reminder of the absurdity of social hierarchies that humans so often uphold.

Excerpt:

“O wad some Power the giftie gie us. To see ourselves as others see us”.

Ranked as Scotland’s ninth favorite Scots poem, Robert Burns' "Willie Wastle" presents a far-from-flattering portrait of a man named Willie Wastle's wife. In this playful tale, Burns characterizes her as "dour" (grim), "din" (drab-colored), and "bow-hough’d" (hunched). The narrator's disdain for Willie Wastle's wife is evident, as he punctuates each stanza with the refrain “I wad na gie a button for” (I wouldn't give a button for her)—a vivid expression of his dislike that suggests she isn't worth even the smallest token of value. This poem, often included in collections of poems for Burns Night, showcases Burns' sharp wit and humorous critique of social surroundings.

Excerpt:

“Willie Wastle dwalt on Tweed,

The spot they ca'd it Linkumdoddie.

Willie was a wabster guid

Could stown a clue wi onie body.

He had a wife was dour and din,

O, Tinkler Maidgie was her mither!

Sic a wife as Willie had,

I wad na gie a button for her.”

This piece beautifully captures lasting affection and is regarded as one of Burns's best love poems, often featured among the cherished poems for Burns Night. In the poem, the term "jo" is a colloquialism for "sweetheart." The devoted woman speaker lovingly reassures her aging husband—though his hair may have turned grey, he will always be her "jo." She expresses her commitment to walk "hand in hand" with him through life's journey. Interestingly, a more risqué version of this poem likely existed, which Burns may have been aware of; however, the more wholesome rendition frequently finds its way into anthologies, highlighting the poem's enduring appeal and sentimentality.

Excerpt:

"John Anderson, my jo, John,

When we were first acquent;

Your locks were like the raven,

Your bonie brow was brent;"

This poem exemplifies Robert Burns's sharp wit as a satirical poet. Much like John Betjeman’s later work, "In Westminster Abbey," "Holy Willie’s Prayer" cleverly employs a prayer format to reveal the hypocrisy within religious circles and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own interests. Featured prominently in Poems for Burns Night, this piece highlights the self-serving nature of "Holy Willie," a church elder whose actions ultimately undermine the very principles he claims to uphold.

Excerpt:

"O Thou, who in the heavens does dwell,

Who, as it pleases best Thysel’,

Sends ane to heaven an’ ten to hell,

A’ for Thy glory,

And no for ony gude or ill"

Brevity meets charm in the Selkirk Grace, a four-line prayer that holds special significance during Poems for Burns Night. Traditionally recited before the meal, this heartfelt grace sets a warm tone for the celebration.

Excerpt:

"Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it,

But we hae meat and we can eat,

Sae let the Lord be Thankit!"

"Ae Fond Kiss," a poignant poem by the renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns, captures the essence of love and longing. Written in 1791, this emotional piece reflects the bittersweet feelings associated with parting from a beloved. The poem beautifully blends themes of romance, loss, and nostalgia, showcasing Burns' masterful use of imagery and emotion. Through its memorable lines and lyrical quality, "Ae Fond Kiss" continues to resonate with readers today, affirming Burns' legacy as a quintessential voice in Scottish literature.

Excerpt:

" Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;

Ae fareweel, and then for ever!

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, 

Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee."

The Cotter’s Saturday Night by Robert Burns is a poignant and heartwarming poem that offers a glimpse into a Scottish rural family's humble and virtuous life. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Burns celebrates family bonds, faith, and the simplicity of life while reflecting on the values of piety and hard work. As one of the cherished poems for Burns Night, this timeless piece captures the essence of Scotland's cultural heritage, blending personal sentiment with universal themes of love, tradition, and moral strength.

Excerpt:

"From scenes like these old Scotia’s grandeur springs,

That makes her loved at home, revered abroad:

Princes and lords are but the breath of kings,

An honest man’s the noblest work of God."

The Battle of Sherramuir by Robert Burns is a powerful and dramatic poem that recounts the conflicting perspectives on the 1715 Jacobite uprising's Battle of Sheriffmuir. Through its spirited dialogue and vivid descriptions, Burns captures the chaos, heroism, and uncertainty of the conflict, reflecting both the bravery and the tragic futility of war. As one of the notable poems for Burns Night, this work offers a compelling exploration of Scotland’s turbulent history, showcasing Burns’ mastery in blending historical narrative with emotional depth and lyrical elegance.

Excerpt:

"O cam ye here the fight to shun,

Or herd the sheep wi’ me, man?

Or were ye at the Sherra-moor,

Or did the battle see, man?”

I saw the battle, sair and teugh,

And reekin-red ran mony a sheugh;"

In addition to the classic works of Robert Burns, you can explore various famous Burns Night poems to enhance your festivities. These carefully selected Poems for Burns Night will ensure that your 2025 celebration is unique and truly memorable.

"The Crocodile" by J.K. Annand is a whimsical poem that reflects the poet's rich background. Born in 1908 in Edinburgh and spending much of his life as a teacher, Annand found inspiration in his experiences with children and the world around him. Featured among the delightful poems for Burns Night, this charming tale follows the narrator as he encounters a crocodile while journeying along the River Nile. Their amusing conversation reveals an unexpected topic: the crocodile’s dental hygiene! This playful focus on such a quirky subject invites readers to see the humor in everyday situations and the delightful quirks of nature.

Excerpt:

The crocodile said, 'Nane ava.

I never brush my teeth at aa!

A wee bird redds them up, ye see,

And saves me monie a dentist's fee.”

"A Dug, A Dug" by Billy Keys is a charming poem that appears in "The Kist," a delightful collection of Scots and Gaelic poetry and prose. In this playful piece, a child pleads with their father for a pet dog, expressing a longing that knows no bounds. The child’s enthusiasm is infectious as they enthusiastically request any dog, proclaiming they'd be thrilled with "a big broon Alsatian," "a wee white pug," "a skinny wee terrier," or even "a big fat bull." As one of the delightful poems for Burns Night, this heartfelt yearning reflects the universal desire for companionship and the immense joy that a dog can bring into a child’s life.

Excerpt:

“Hey, daddy, wid yi get us a dug?

A big broon alsatian? Ur a wee white pug,

Ur a skinny wee terrier ur a big fat bull.

Aw, daddy. Get us a dug. Wull ye?”

"The Sair Finger," written by Walter Wingate, holds a special place in the hearts of Scots nationwide. Wingate, who was born in 1895 in Dalry, Ayrshire, weaves a delightful tale about a "wean" (child) plagued by a "skelf" (splinter) lodged in his pinkie. Featured among the cherished poems for Burns Night, this beloved poem follows the narrator as he expertly removes the splinter from the child. However, the story takes a lighthearted turn in the final verse when another child approaches, claiming to have a splinter of their own. This twist adds a playful touch to the narrative, capturing the innocent exaggeration that often accompanies childhood woes.

Excerpt:

“Your finger sair ana’? Ye rouge.

You're just lettin' on".

McFadyen's poem captures the essence of Burns Night, celebrating Burns' enduring guidance and inspiration, making it an excellent choice for poems for Burns night.

Excerpt:

“In the heart of winter's grip, to you, we raise our glass, Your words, a light that guides us through the frost and shadows cast.".

Agnes Owen’s poem beautifully acknowledges Burns' work's timeless relevance, making it a fitting tribute to Burns' night poem readings.

Excerpt:

“Though centuries have passed since your last verse

We find within your words the power to heal:

Your songs and poems, diverse and terse, 

Speak truths that time has not concealed.".

Celebrating Burns Night with poems offers a unique and enriching experience. Whether you're sharing humorous verses, romantic reflections, or inspirational pieces, these 20 poems for Burns Night will undoubtedly enhance your gathering. Embrace the spirit of Robert Burns, honor his contributions to literature, and create lasting memories as you share these verses with fellow enthusiasts in 2025. Cheers to a night filled with poetry, passion, and the joy of togetherness!