The legacy of Robert Burns is being celebrated Monday.

If the famous Scottish poet was alive today, he would be 257 years old.

Okotoks mayor Bill Robertson says his life was honoured on Friday.

"They had a Robbie Burns dinner put on by the Foothills Highland Dancers and it was a fundraiser and it was phenomenal to see all those kids dancing away to Scottish music and to bagpipes," he says.

Burns' most famous works include Auld Lang Syne, Ye Banks and Breaes of Bonnie Doon, and My Love's Like a Red, Red Rose.

His first book Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect was published in 1786.

Robertson says it's great to acknowledge occasions like Robert Burns Day.

"There's so many different cultures that come into our community and to our society that bring their traditions and we're a richer society for it."

Robertson is sporting his traditional tartan kilt for the celebration. He even stopped by Eagle 100.9 and recited a few verses from the renowned poet.