Robert Burns began his life as a lowly tenant farmer but channeled his intellectual energies into poetry and song to become one of Scotland's most famous cultural figures. Born on 25 January 1759 in the small village of Ca'nongross, Roxburghshire, he was the only child of William Burnes and Agnes Graham. His father was a humble farm worker who died when Robert was just eight years old. Since their income was too meagre to pay for a tutor, young Robert had to learn how to read and write by himself. He showed an early interest in poetry and used to entertain guests with his poems. When he reached the age of 12, his mother sent him to Edinburgh to study under a private tutor. Here, he met other students who shared his enthusiasm for literature and music. It was here that he wrote some of his most famous poems, including "Auld Lang Syne" which is often used at New Year's Eve parties around the world. When he returned home, he helped his mother on the farm but also worked as an assistant to a local lawyer. In 1776, he married Jean Armour; they had three children. In 1783, he went back to Edinburgh to study law but gave up this idea after two years.