Most Scots think the birthday of their national bard, Robert Burns, should be made a national holiday, according to a survey published on Monday.

Nearly two-thirds of Scots (63%) thought Scotland should celebrate the poet's birthday with an official day off work.

The straw poll by retail supermarket Safeway found that a similar proportion (62%) correctly identified January 25 as Burns's birthday.

But some 7% could not name Burns as Scotland's national poet while just under half - 45% - did not know that he lived during the 18th Century.

Major event

About 200 Safeway customers took part in the survey last week at Edinburgh stores.

David Gardner, Safeway operations director for Scotland, said: "Burns Night is a major event and we are responding to the opinion of two out of three Scots who believe more should be done.

"Burns night may not be a national holiday yet but there will be very little effort required to enjoy all the offers and celebrate Scotland's best known quality products in style."

Safeway stores across Scotland will mark Burns Night next Friday with readings of his poetry, Scottish dancing and pipers.