Which Scottish poet wrote the poem that became the basis of Auld Lang Syne?

Robert Burns wrote the poem that became the basis of Auld Lang Syne.

Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist whose work helped establish Scots-language poetry as a major part of Scotland's literary heritage. In 1788, he sent a version of Auld Lang Syne to the Scots Musical Museum, explaining that he had taken it down from an old man's singing and considered it an old song.

The text therefore combines Burns's contribution with older traditional material. The familiar New Year's song is not best understood as a completely new composition created from nothing by Burns. Its words and melody changed through oral tradition, printing, performance, and later popular arrangements.

Burns Night, held on January 25, celebrates Burns's birthday and commonly features his poetry, haggis, and recitations. It is separate from New Year's Eve, even though Auld Lang Syne is strongly associated with both Scottish identity and the midnight change of year.