A Scottish poet is ardent (5)
I believe the answer is:
burns
'a scottish poet' is the definition.
(Robert Burns)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for burns that I've seen before include "Scots poet" , "feels strong emotion" , "Cremates -- Scottish poet, d.1796" , "experiences strong emotion" , "Is on fire" .)