Robert Burns Statue

Robert Burns (January 25, 1759-July 21, 1796) is the national poet of Scotland. Since they were first published, his poetry and songs have never been out of fashion. Translations have made him a classic in other languages. In households where books have been few, an edition of Burns's poetry has often stood on a shelf with the Bible. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "The people who care nothing for literature and poetry care for Burns." With their writing Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott created an enduring Scottish identity at a time when the Scots might have been entirely absorbed into a general British culture. In particular, Burns preserved the Scots tongue in literary form. The most loved figure in Scottish history and literature, his birthday, January 25, is the annual occasion of "Burns Night" festivities. He is celebrated by the Unitarians of Scotland as a religious forbear.
This statue was created by Sir John Steel and is located on the central park mall and is part of the literary walk.