Bob Dylan: 'Burns is my inspiration'

Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has revealed that Scottish poet Robert Burns is his biggest influence.

The Blonde On Blonde star told HMV that Burns's 'A Red, Red Rose' verse has had a bigger effect on his life than any other.

He made the remark as part of HMV's My Inspiration campaign, in which artists reveal their favourite lyrics.

Dr Gerard Carruthers, director of the Centre For Burns Study at the University of Glasgow, called the verse one of the most romantic ever.

"'A Red, Red Rose' is one of the greatest love songs of all time. It's a song that resonates down the ages. It's part of the Burns song canon," he said.

Dylan's latest album Tell Tale Signs is released in the US on October 7.