Robert Burns was a poet and collector or adapter of songs rather than a bagpipe composer. Many works associated with him use older Scottish airs, and pipers play later instrumental arrangements. This index is therefore organized by present-day piping use rather than claiming that Burns composed each melody.
Core Burns repertoire for pipers
Auld Lang Syne
Widely played at Hogmanay, Burns suppers, farewells, and commemorations.
Scots Wha Hae
A patriotic song frequently arranged as a pipe march or ceremonial selection.
Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon
A lyrical air suited to reflective programs and Burns tributes.
A Man’s a Man for A’ That
Performed at Burns events and civic occasions in vocal or instrumental arrangements.
My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose
Often presented as a slow air at concerts, weddings, and Burns programs.
Highland Mary
Associated with Burns’s song and heard in Scottish instrumental repertoires.
Ca’ the Yowes to the Knowes
A traditional Scottish air for which Burns prepared well-known words; suitable for slow-air arrangements.
Green Grow the Rashes, O
A Burns song based on an existing Scottish tune and adapted for instrumental performance.
Corn Rigs Are Bonnie
An older Scottish air closely associated with Burns’s song and sometimes included in traditional sets.
Comin’ Thro’ the Rye
A traditional melody with words associated with Burns, used in Scottish musical programs.