Robert Burns' iconic Scottish and international anthem, Auld Lang Syne, is one of the world's most recognised songs and is one of Scotland's greatest cultural exports, First Minister Alex Salmond said today ahead of Hogmanay celebrations.
"Millions of people across the world will bring in the bells tomorrow evening to the sound of Burns' most famous piece of work, Auld Lang Syne," said the First Minister.
"Written in 1788, this iconic Scottish and international anthem continues to have a huge impact on popular culture as one of the world's most recognised and performed songs. It is woven into celebrations and cultural events right across the planet."
The First Minister pointed out that Auld Lang Syne has featured in many Hollywood films such as Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life and Mr Smith Goes to Washington, Sex and the City, and When Harry Met Sally.
A multitude of musicians have adapted the song including James Brown, Tom Waits and Morrissey.
"Auld Lang Syne is one of Scotland's greatest cultural exports," he said.
The First Minister's outpouring came as Scotland gears up for the 250th celebrations of Robert Burns birth, dubbed Homecoming Scotland 2009. The year will see a celebration of all things Scottish.
The Year of Homecoming starts when 100,000 revellers at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party and across Scotland join in a mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne.