Sandi Thom says that if legendary poet Robert Burns were alive today he would be “having number one hits all over the place”.
The Scots singer/songwriter is full of admiration for the famous bard and says he would pose more than a match for today’s crop of entertainers.
“I think if he were alive today he would be one of the best songwriters in the world,” she said. “He’d be having number one hits all over the place. He would have a MySpace and everything.”
Thom performed at the official Homecoming Burns Supper to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth. Speaking to stv’s the five thirty show on Monday, Thom admitted she hadn’t always been aware of Burns’ talents.
“I don’t think I paid enough attention to Burns until now and I suppose that kick-started my interest in him,” she said.
“Like I was saying there are so many poets that are held in high regard, like (Lord) Byron. But yet I think Burns should be more globally acclaimed.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Thom, who hails from Macduff, Aberdeenshire, starts a new tour on Friday with a few special guests, including First Minister Alex Salmond.
“One of them is the First Minister and he’s going to do one of the nights I’m performing in Banff…He’s partial to a tune,” she added. “In the past when I’ve done songs and he’s been there I can always hear him humming away.”
Salmond is a huge fan of Thom and even gave one of her albums to Sean Connery as a gift.
“It’s pretty cool to be Sean Connery’s Christmas present,” she added.
Watch Sandi Thom's exclusive performance of Caledonia for stv
Watch Sandi Thom sing Flow Gently Sweet Afton at the official Homecoming Burns Supper.
More on Robert Burns and Scottish Homecoming at stv.tv/homecoming
