Robert Burns was born in a small cottage in Alloway in Ayrshire on 25th January 1759, becoming a prolific poet and songwriter whose work remains an important part of Scotland's heritage. Five years after his death in 1796, friends gathered and ate haggis and drank whisky in his honour. This developed into the Burns Supper, held on Burns Night, 25th January every year not just in Scotland but worldwide. This is the story behind the event.