A major new study into the impact of Robert Burns on the Scottish economy has been announced.

Funded by the Scottish Government, it will look at what is described as a "global fascination" with our national bard.

The work will be carried out by Glasgow University, and will take around 15 months to complete.

Professor Murray Pittock from Glasgow University said: "I think we're not always aware of how saleable Burns is across other parts of Scotland.

"He collected a lot of songs across the north east of Scotland and we're currently looking at developing an Borders Burns tour..

"To take a much more recent event, the big corporate dinner in Aberdeen this January got a huge amount of custom and raised a lot for charity.

"The study will significantly look at the current uses of image and brand name, its current value and where the opportunities lie."