Creating Burns's Reputation

Poet and Burns scholar Professor Robert Crawford of St Andrews University, examines how Robert Burns became a sensation at home and abroad. With contributions from Douglas Dunn, who considers the strength of Burns's verse, Professor Fiona Stafford, who discusses whether Burns was the first romantic poet and David Hopes, who asks whether Burns's image is going to be renewed again in the making of the new birthplace museum.

There is also debate on Burns's newest scholarly incarnation as a radical, and Dr Leith Davies looking at how the once very male and clubbable world of the 'Burns club' and Burns Supper now contends with new cultural fusion such as Gung Haggis Fat Choy, which melds Burns night with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Robert Crawford on why Robert Burns was a poet and songwriter of international importance.