There are two things one must try when visiting Scotland: a wee dram of whisky — preferably single malt — and haggis. Both were well loved by Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet and favourite son.
The Bard of Ayrshire (or, as he is known in Scotland, the Bard) is famous for such poems as Tam O’Shanter, and his lyrics to Auld Lang Syne ring in the New Year. Scots the world over celebrate his birthday every 25th January with recitations of his works during raucous Burns Suppers, in which whisky and haggis figure prominently. Last year (2009) marked the 250th anniversary of his birth in a humble cottage in Alloway, South Ayrshire. Donna Dailey hits the Burns Trail in Scotland.