What is Burns Night? Top 10 facts about Robert Burns

YESTERNIGHT was Burns Night, so before we get out the haggis and whisky, let’s have some facts.

 

Robert Burns became the first person to feature on a commemorative bottle of Coca-Cola

 

1. Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759. His father spelt the name as “Burnes” but Robert later adopted the spelling without the “e”. 

2. He wore his hair long and tied back in a ponytail and he had size 8 feet. 

3. The first ever Burns Supper was held on January 29, 1802, before his correct date of birth was found to be January 25. 

 

4. Burns was posthumously made an Honorary Chartered Surveyor, the only person so honoured. 

5. In 2009, which was his 250th anniversary, Robert Burns became the first person to feature on a commemorative bottle of Coca-Cola. 

Burns fathered at least 12 children by four different women in his 37-year life

 

The first ever Burns Supper was held on January 29, 1802

 

6. Burns fathered at least 12 children by four different women in his 37-year life. 

7. A miniature book of Burns’ work was taken into orbit by British-born astronaut Nicholas Patrick on a two-week mission in 2010. 

8. Worldwide, there are said to be more statues of Robert Burns than any non-religious person other than Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus. 

  

The first country to issue a commemorative stamp for Robert Burns was the USSR in 1956

 

A traditional Scottish meal is washed down with Scotch whisky to celebrate Burns

 

9. His jobs included flax-dresser, excise officer and working on a slave plantation in Jamaica. 

10. The first country to issue a commemorative stamp for Robert Burns was the USSR in 1956.