An expert in Robbie Burns' poetry says he felt “incredulous” upon hearing that Michael Jackson has recorded a modern take on the poet's work.

Jackson has apparently recorded the album with friend David Gest, who revealed that Burns, who died in 1796, was their “favourite poet in the world”.

David Baird, the president of the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association, said he was concerned that Jackson might be “thinking of plagiarising Burns and cashing in on the 250th anniversary next year.”

"The idea of turning Burns's tunes and songs, which he carefully collected, into 'show tunes' just kind of grates a wee bit," he told the BBC.

Gest said he and Jackson recorded the album at the singer's home studio in California. He didn't reveal whether they planned to release the work.

(by Jason Gregory)