The National Trust for Scotland has come up with a Burns-style tribute to an item from the contemporary Scottish larder.

Instead of the Bard's address to the haggis, which will be heard at thousands of Burns suppers this weekend, the new ode is to two of the sweetest confections ever made, the famous snowballs and tea-cakes made by Tunnocks of Uddingston, near Glasgow.

The trust came up with the play on two of Burns’ most popular works after the Scottish biscuit company donated a five-figure sum to the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

For managing director Boyd Tunnock, a keen Burns enthusiast and grandson of the company's founder Thomas Tunnock, there was no question over their involvement with the museum.

He said: “A proper Burns Supper is a fantastic event to behold as his words are so powerful. We're delighted to help more people learn about Burns and his work for decades to come.”

The museum will provide space for the country's leading Burns collection, bringing the Scottish icon’s life and works to the greater public.

Trust chairman Shonaig Macpherson said: "Tunnock's is also one of our Scottish icons, and I thank Boyd and the company for their incredibly generous donation, one which will help towards ensuring the legacy of Burns is preserved for generations to come.”

Address to a Snowball

Fair fa' yer coconut sprinkled face,

Great chieftain o' the teacake-race!

Aboon them a' ye tak your place,

mallow, choc, or cream:

Weel are ye wordy of a grace.

As lang's my arm.

Ode to a Teacake

Wee, mallow, rounded, choccy biccy,

O, what a panic's in my tummy!

One needs tae eat ye hasty

Wi bickering brattle!

I wad be laith to rin oot of thee,

An hae to eat a tattie.

Celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns and the beginning of the year of Homecoming get underway this weekend with Burns Supper.