Welcome to the Centre for Robert Burns Studies

Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, was born in Alloway in 1759. A farmer's son, he rose to literary prominence in 1786 with the first collection of his poetry, which came to be known as the Kilmarnock edition. He died young, at the age of thirty-seven, but his legacy endures.

The Centre for Robert Burns Studies was established in July 2007. The purpose of the Centre will be the development of research, scholarship and teaching in Robert Burns, his cultural period and related literature:

• to support the development and co-ordination of existing research and teaching resources related to Robert Burns;
• to establish and sustain a centre of excellence in postgraduate studies;
• to encourage Robert Burns Studies through publications, seminar series, colloquia, conferences and other meetings;
• to foster links with other institutions in the area of Robert Burns Studies;
• to broaden interest in Robert Burns Studies by inviting visiting lecturers and by encouraging academic and student exchanges.

Director: Dr. Gerard Carruthers

Associate Director: Dr. Kirsteen McCue