While he is now remembered as Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns came from humble beginnings.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Burns spent much of his life as a tenant farmer. While poetry was not his main occupation, it did not stop him from producing over 700 poems in his lifetime, capturing everything from farm life to the struggle between classes.
More than two hundred years following the death of Rabbie Burns, his work continues to inspire others and each year on January 25th - his birthday - people around the world come together to celebrate the poet.
Typically featuring ceilidhs, traditional Scottish music, food and poetry recitations, Burns Night continues to honour the Bard long after his time.
So, for those celebrating this year, here are 10 facts about Robert Burns which you may not have known - including his real name.

1. Robert Burns was known to be a womaniser
Robert Burns was known for being a ladies' man, fathering 12 children between 4 different women. He was married to Jean Armour, the mother of nine of his children, though he often engaged in extramarital affairs, such as his romance with Mary Campbell (pictured) who is said to have inspired some of Burns' most popular works. | Getty Images Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

2. Robert Burns' fascination with the supernatural began at a young age
Several poems by Burns focus on the supernatural, including Tam O'Shanter. Growing up in Ayrshire, his interest in the subject is said to have come from the stories an old widow, who worked on his father's farm, would tell him involving the supernatural. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

3. He wasn't always known as Rabbie Burns
Despite being affectionately known as 'Rabbie Burns', the Scottish poet wasn't always known as such. His father was William Burnes, and his name was originally spelled the same way with Robert even using 'Burness' for a time. However, before the first edition of his work was published he changed the spelling to Burns - as was more common in Ayrshire at the time. More interesting still, Robert never referred to himself as Rabbie; he would use Rob, Rab and even Robin, but never Rabbie. | Getty Images

4. There are clubs around the world dedicated to remembering Robert Burns
There are hundreds of 'Burns Clubs' across the world dedicated to cherishing the memory of the Scottish poet's writings as well as encouraging interest in the Scots language. Many of these clubs now belong to the Robert Burns World Federation, though the first was established in Greenock in 1801 which was known as The Mother's Club. | Getty Images