Who is acknowledged as 'The Bard' in the context of Scottish literature?

Robert Burns holds a special place in the hearts of Scots and literature lovers worldwide. He's often called "The Bard of Ayrshire" or simply "The Bard," a title reflecting his immense contribution to Scottish culture. Burns lived in the 18th century, from 1759 to 1796, and his poems and songs captured the essence of Scottish life, language, and identity. He wrote in both Scots and English, making his work accessible to a wide audience. His poems often celebrated the everyday lives of ordinary people, their struggles, and their joys. What really cemented his legacy was his ability to blend folk traditions with literary skill. You've probably heard "Auld Lang Syne," sung around the world at New Year's Eve – that's Burns! His work is so central to Scottish identity that he's become a national icon. While Isaac Newton was a brilliant scientist, Howard Florey a medical pioneer, and Ernest Rutherford a groundbreaking physicist, none of them were literary figures, let alone associated with Scottish poetry and song. That's why Robert Burns is the only logical answer here.