Why is Burns Night celebrated? Burns Night is considered to be Scotland’s “other national day”, alongside St Andrew’s Day in November. Celebrated on the same date each year, the night gives a nod to the life and work of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Rabbie Burns lived between 1759 and 1796, and is widely regarded as the national bard of Scotland thanks to his famous works, which were penned in Scots or in the Scots dialect. Traditional festivities generally include a Burns Supper, which features readings of his poetry throughout the meal. Burns’ seminal works include To a Mouse, Tam o’Shanter, A Red, Red Rose and, of course, Auld Lang Syne.