Scotland's national poet is is a formidable rhetorical resource for Alex Salmond. Here are seven verses ripe for appropriation
Scottish writers on the referendum
Essay: Scottish independence literature and nationalism
Scottish writers on the referendum
Essay: Scottish independence literature and nationalism
Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, is the most portable of writers, and it is no surprise that Alex Salmond should carry him everywhere. Burns, the great oracle of Scottish emotion, is a formidable rhetorical resource in a nationalist politician's locker. It allows the first minister to inspire his core vote with ready-made, recognisable passion at a time when nationalists are cannily trying to avoid seeming too hot-headed.
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