Devorgilla Bridge in Dumfries Galloway Scotland, UK

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Celebrating Robert Burns OR Burns Night - Ode over the bridge

It's Burns Night—time to toast to poetry and passion. This celebration honours Scotland's famous poet, Robert Burns, on his birthday. Born on this day in 1759, his work blends sharp insight, emotion and cultural pride. Although much of his writing was in Scots, he also used English, ensuring his voice reached far beyond the country. Burns Night isn't just a party—it's a celebration of Scotland's cultural heritage, recognised by the Scottish Parliament, and highlights the richness of the Scots language.

Burns' connection to Dumfries, a market town, is an important part of his legacy. He moved to Dumfriesshire in 1788 and settled in Dumfries in 1791, where he lived until his death in 1796. The town is home to the historic Devorgilla Bridge, pictured here, also known as Dumfries Old Bridge. Once a road bridge, it now serves pedestrians and stands as a reminder of the time Burns spent there. The bridge we see today contains remnants dating back to the early 1430s, with its stone structure likely completed by 1432.