Scots, wha hae wi Wallace bled,Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,Welcome tae yer gory bed,Or tae victorie…
BBC Scotland’s Burns Night programme will honour Scotland’s national Bard on January 25, with an exciting mix of contemporary musicians alongside spoken word performances recorded at Glasgow’s City Halls.
“Burns Night 2025 promises to be a heartfelt and unforgettable evening celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns.” – BBC Scotland
Hosted by Alistair Heather, this year’s celebration showcases a mix of contemporary and traditional talent. Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. His cultural legacy is celebrated every year upon his birthday.
His poem, and song, Auld Lang Syne is often sung at Hogmanay and Scots Wha Hae served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country.
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will be joined by an exciting line-up of musicians, including Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue, actor and singer Laura Main from Call the Midwife, and acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt.
Sea shanty singer Nathan Evans will take the stage alongside Anna Shields of Dead Pony, Scottish Breakthrough Artist of the Year 2024 Calum Bowie, Glasgow singer-songwriter Becky Sikasa, and Fife’s rising star Jacob Alon.
Traditional music will shine with performances from the reigning World Piping Champions Inveraray and District Pipe Band and the wonderful Katie The Wheeled Piper.
The evening will also feature spoken word recitals from Elaine C. Smith while Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson of Scot Squad will deliver a commanding Immortal Memory.
Burns Night 2025, BBC Scotland Channel, tonight, at 8.30 pm | Screened across the UK at 10.30 pm on BBC Four
