Text messaging service AQA 63336 is circulating a list of Frequently Asked Questions that its team of some 1,200 researchers has received about Scotland's most famous poet.
On 25th January, Scots the world over will mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth and the country will mark the start of Homecoming Scotland year.
AQA 63336 says that on average a researcher will take less than five minutes to reply to the majority of questions texted to 63336 - whether it's advice that's needed, an entertaining riposte, or facts in a hurry.
Many of the questions are obvious ones about Robert Burns background and how people celebrate Burns suppers. So if you don't know what the "Immortal Memory" is or the "Loyal Toast", here is the short version...
Who was Robert Burns?
Robert Burns (1759-1796) was Scotland's greatest poet, but he had humble origins; he started out as a farm labourer and was dubbed the Ploughman Poet.
What was Robert Burns life like?
Burns led a hard early life, having been born the son of a peasant farmer. He fathered 12 children with 4 women. He became famous, but made little money.
When is Burns Night held?
Burns Night is held on 25 Jan, the birthday of poet, Robert Burns. Originally the celebration was held on 21 July, the anniversary of his death.
How long have people been celebrating Burns Night for?
Burns Night has been celebrated for over 200 years. The 1st Burns Supper was held in Alloway in 1801, when some of his friends met to remember his life.
Why is Burns Night celebrated?
Burns Night celebrates the life & work of Robert Burns, a Scottish icon. It takes place on his birthday, 25 Jan, & began as a tribute by close friends.
Which other countries celebrate Burns Night?
Scotland is the only country to widely celebrate Burns Night, but ex-pats the world over will try to join in. Haggises have been flown to Pisa specially.
Why do people eat haggis, neeps and tatties on Burns Night?
When Burns's friends celebrated Burns Night, they ate haggis because of his "Ode to a Haggis", & neeps & tatties to compliment the haggis's spiciness.
What is the ‘Selkirk Grace'?
The Selkirk Grace: 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.
What is ‘Address to a Haggis'?
Address to a Haggis is recited at Burns suppers when the haggis is served: Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!
What is the ‘Loyal Toast'?
The Loyal Toast honours the Head of State, & can be just "The Queen" in the UK. The host of a formal event proposes it (when tables are clear at a meal).
What is ‘Immortal Memory'?
Immortal Memory' is a short, lively speech about Robert Burns, featuring tributes to his life and works. It ends with a toast to his immortal memory.
Does anyone know the words auld lang syne?
No, but here's the 1st verse: Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne!
Do any other countries have anything similar to Burns Night?
No, but you can combine the literary connections of Bloomsday (16 June) and the food that not everyone likes from the Night of the Radishes (23 Dec).
What's the link between Robert Burns and Kofi Annan?
Kofi Annan gave the inaugural Robert Burns Memorial Lecture in 2004. He called Burns a poet of the poor, and an opponent of slavery, pomposity and greed.
Are any other Scottish poets celebrated?
William McGonagall is the next best-known Scottish poet, celebrated for writing the most spectacularly bad poetry ever created in the English language.
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