BORDERERS are being invited to raise a glass for Rabbie Burns later this month.

The Scottish Government has launched an online campaign to encourage people to take part in the upcoming Burns Night celebrations on January 25.

And organisers of Burns Night celebrations are hoping people will share their pictures of ceilidhs and whisky-fulled celebrations on social media with the hashtag: #CheersToRabbie

Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for International Development and Europe, is excited at seeing the celebrations of Scotland's national bard.

He said: "Burns Night is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most well-known and best-loved national days, celebrated by millions around the world.

“Every year, Scots, and Scots at heart, remember the life and cultural legacy of Burns by hosting a Burns Supper. Glasses of whisky are raised in toast and haggis is addressed like no other food. It is a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration.

“This campaign will provide people across the country with the opportunity to join thousands across the globe who will toast the national Bard whilst enjoying food, poetry and celebrations, raising a glass to Burns from every corner of the world.”

Robert Burns has connections to the Scottish Borders dating back centuries.

Burns, along with his travelling companion Robert Ainslie, embarked on a tour round Scotland in 1787 taking in the Highlands, the West and the Borders.

They first arrived at Robert Ainslie's family home in Duns, where Burns took a liking to Robert's sister, Rachel - who he wrote a short poem for.

Burns then departed for a day trip to Coldstream, before travelling to Kelso, Melrose and Jedburgh - receiving the freedom of the town in Jed.