Burns Night: Schoolchildren across Scotland celebrate national bard

Pupils throughout the country have been learning all about Robert Burns' work.

Schoolchildren across Scotland have been celebrating ahead of Burns Night.

Pupils throughout the country have been learning all about the national bard’s work and some of the traditions associated with January 25.

An important lesson, given a recent ScotPulse survey carried out on behalf of Irn-Bru reported that almost half (49%) of younger millennials don’t celebrate Robert Burns at all.

On Tuesday, pupils at Blairdardie Primary School in Glasgow were treated to an assembly featuring bagpipes and recitals of some of Burns’ most famous works.

But how much do they actually know about dear old Rabbie?

Pupil Abi told STV News: “Today we are celebrating Robert Burns – he was born in 1759, I think. Quite a long time ago.”

When asked what he thought of the poet, her friend Omar said: “Well, I wouldn’t really know because I’ve not met him.”

Other pupils thought Burns was “talented” and “pretty cool”.

National bard: Professional pencil sketch on canvas of Robert Burns.iStock

The children enjoyed being treated to shortbread in the afternoon, but some weren’t too keen on the tradition of haggis, neeps and tatties.

After being told what haggis was made up of, Finlay said: “I won’t be having that then.”

Abi added: “Hmm, I’m not the biggest fan. I don’t like the texture of it.”

Darcey professed that it was “too chewy”, while Klaire said she didn’t like “what’s in it.”

And as for Lacey: “I’m having spaghetti, I much prefer spaghetti.”

But all hope is not lost as Memphis stated: “I will be having haggis. I really like it.”

Thank goodness for that.

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