Widely regarded as one the greatest poets of all time, it is no surprise the nation is still celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns 225 after his death.

The Scottish Bard, born in Alloway on 25 January 1759, was the eldest of farmer William Burnes and Agnes Broun’s seven children. Growing up, Burns was tutored in reading and writing by his father before receiving a Latin and French education from John Murdoch between 1765 and 1768.

Though he was not formally encouraged into poetry until he met Captain Richard Brown in the early 1780s, Burns first attempt is believed to have been inspired by Nelly Kilpatrick at the age of 15. An assistant on the farm during the harvest of 1774, Nelly is thought to have been his first love and the the subject of “O, Once I Lov’d a Bonnie Lass”.

Known for his romantic works, Burns’ first-known love letters were written after the family moved to a farm at Lochlea in 1777. It was here he joined a country dancing school, before founding Tarbolton Bachelor’s Club with his brother, Gilbert.

The family remained in Tarbolton until the death of William in 1784 when the brothers moved to another farm near Mauchline. Here, Burns would meet Jean Armour whom he married in 1788, with the pair having a total of nine children. The poet fathered at least another two children – his first being to his mother’s servant Elizabeth Paton, and the other to Ann Park. His youngest child, Maxwell, was born on the day of his funeral, 25 July 1796.

Burns died at the age of 37, with many theories existing as to the cause. His popularity would soar in the centuries following his death; however, it is believed that the writer died a poor man - with only £1 to his name.

To this day, Burns’ legacy is enjoyed by Scots from a primary school age and annual celebrations are held around the world to mark his birthday. The initial Burns Supper was held by the first ever club dedicated to the poet in Greenock in 1801. The event was organised on 29 January 1802 by The Mother’s Club, before they learned his date of birth was, in fact, four days earlier.

Over the years, Robert Burns’ work has inspired a range of writers, artists and performers across the globe, including John Steinbeck who said his novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ was inspired by ‘To a Mouse’.

American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, known for his songs about social and political issues, has also credited the Bard, saying ‘A Red, Red Rose’ is his greatest inspiration.

Some stories of Burns’ influence are a bit more unusual, including that of astronaut Neil Patrick who carried a small book of his poetry on a 2010 space mission. The book went on a 5.7million mile journey on the two-week long trip, completing 217 orbits of the Earth.

In Japan, a version of ‘Coming Through the Rye’ is used as a sound at road crossings to indicate it is safe to go.

As well as influencing many generations, Robert Burns has been linked to over 900 descendants. Perhaps most notably, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger claims to be a distant nephew of the Alloway native. Hilfiger’s said his family withheld the information until he was older, as they disapproved of the poet’s womanising ways.

Whilst Burns Suppers are not able to go ahead this year, households across the globe will be addressing the haggis and raising a glass to one of Scotland’s greats.