TWO albums celebrating Robert Burns, Scotland's most celebrated writer and one of the world's great poets.

Singer Eddi Reader recorded 11 songs live over three days. She has given the songs an earthy approach to attract more people to the poetry of Robert Burns, which she describes as "an unmined seam of emotional gold". Produced by long-time collaborator Boo Hewerdine, highlights include Mountainside, Willie Stewart and the double A-side single My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose, and Jamie Come Try Me. Musicians working their magic on this lyrical album include: John McCusker (violin, whistles, cittern), Ian Carr (acoustic guitar and piano), Colin Reid (acoustic guitar), Roy Dodds (percussion) and string players from the Royal National Scottish Orchestra conducted by Kevin McCrae.

Burns had a deep love of the homespun entertainment known as folk music. His lyrics are known throughout the world, thanks to classics such as Auld Lang Syne and My Love's Like A Red, Red Rose. Linn Records has spent seven years recording more than 360 songs, here interpreted by the cream of traditional musicians from Scotland in a labour of love. The compilers have struck a balance between scholarship and authentic performance, with many of the tracks utilising simple arrangements to preserve the feel of live performance. This ambitious project is a tribute to both Burns the songwriter and to the contemporary Scottish folk movement, which is one of the most dynamic in Europe. All 12 CDs come in a boxed set, which is available in good record shops or on www.linnrecords.com at £99 (including postage and packing).

Updated: 09:20 Thursday, May 22, 2003