Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 and died in Dumfries in 1796 at the early age of thirty-seven. Recognised internationally as a poet of wide range and tone, Burn's poems, songs and letters - his enormous legacy to Scotland - came from the heart, but were crafted with a sure-footed and keen intelligence. Their power, poignancy, humour and beauty endure in our own day. As a result of his encounters with its landscape, folklore and people, Burns unconsciously helped to fashion what became the modern image of Scotland.

Last year celebrated the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national bard, the inspiration for Homecoming Scotland 2009.  To mark this, the National Library of Scotland, National Museums Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland collaborated to highlight some of the treasures in their care. Shown here are select and iconic examples from the national collections including paintings, objects, books and manuscripts relating to Robert Burns's life work and heritage.