The birthday of the outstanding Scottish poet and folklorist Robert Burns, celebrated on January 25, is a national holiday in Scotland.

On this occasion, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan for the first time in Ashgabat organized a gala evening dedicated to celebrating the birthday of Robert Burns. The event was attended by representatives of government departments of Turkmenistan, members of international organizations and diplomats.

As Turkmenistan: The Golden Age reports, Ambassador Stephen Conlon noted that the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi played a vital role in shaping the identity of the Turkmen people, and his legacy continues to inspire many generations. Likewise, Robert Burns has had a significant influence on Scottish culture and is a significant figure not only in Scotland but also beyond.

Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov also emphasized that constructive cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres is actively developing between Turkmenistan and the UK. Thus, in May 2024, events dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi were held in London. The publication of Robert Burns’s poems, translated into Turkmen, is being prepared for publication in the magazine “Dünýä edebiýaty,” noted N. Shirimov.

The evening continued with a reading of Burns's poetry and a performance of the Scottish dance "Ceighley".

Guests were also treated to the national Scottish dish, haggis. Robert Burns, being a great connoisseur of Scottish traditions, dedicated an ode to this dish, praising it as a symbol of national culture and the personification of the Scottish spirit. In his poems, haggis is presented not only as a simple food, but as a true art that can unite people and create a festive atmosphere.