The poet claimed his version of Auld Lang Syne was the first time the sentiments had been written down.

However, an earlier ballad by James Watson named ‘Old Long Syne’ dates as far back as 1711.

The use of the title phrase can be found in poems dating as far back as the 17th Century, specifically works by Robert Ayton and Allan Ramsay.

Aside from New Year’s Eve, Auld Lang Syne is sung on a number of occasions.