Calling all poets!

By Otago Scottish Heritage Council | Posted: Monday Sep 01, 2025

Entries for the 2025 Robert Burns International Poetry Competition are now open. Entries close 6pm 30 November 2025.

The Robert Burns Poetry Competition is a collaboration between the Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature, the Otago Scottish Heritage Council, the Dunedin Burns Club, the Dunedin Public Library Association, the Dunedin-Edinburgh Sister City Society and the Combined Clans & Societies Group Otago.

Entries are judged by a panel of independent judges and winners are announced publicly and presented with prizes on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Write a poem in English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic or te reo Māori inspired by the life or works of Robert Burns. The theme in 2025 is The Global Reach of Robert Burns: a Voice for Humanity. The poem of no more than 500 words should focus on the Burns’ values of equality, freedom, friendship and the dignity of the common person. If the poem is written in Scottish Gaelic, an English translation is also required.

Enter online at:Robert Burns International Poetry Competition – Otago Scottish Heritage Council

Submit a copy of your poem by 6pm November 30, St Andrews Day.

A companion competition for young poets Rap like Robbie is offered separately for poets aged 18 years and younger.

Closing date is also 6pm November 30.

Enter online at:

Robert Burns International Poetry Competition – Otago Scottish Heritage Council