Robert Burns Tourist Information

Robert Burns Biography, Robert Burns Poems,

Robert Burns (1759-96) is Scotland's national poet, and his poetry remains today acclaimed internationally. His songs are inscribed in traditions, for example Auld Lang Syne is belted out across the world every New Years Eve at Midnight and was written by Burns. Patriot, poet of the people, apprentice to the Scottish Enlightenment, a follower of the Scottish folklore tradition, philanderer, farmer, Freemason and supporter of the French Revolution - Burns was all of these and he filled his poetry with the everyday lives of ordinary Scots.

Robert Burns came from humble roots - he was the son of an Ayrshire (Alloway) farmer and financial hardship made it difficult for him to finance and publish his poetry. Burns rather enjoyed the company of women and his affairs were numerous, even after his marriage to Jean Armour (1767-1834) who had 9 children with him.The poetry of Robert Burns is particularly remembered in Scotland on 25th January - the annual Burns' Night, where readings of Robert Burns poetry is mixed with the eating of Haggis. His poem 'To a Haggis' is usually read.

The National Burns Collection's weblink right is a superb reference for a selection of Burns poems, including 'To a Haggis', 'Tam o'Shanter', 'To a Mouse' and perhaps his most famous poem, 'My Luve is Like a Red, Red Rose'. The Burns National Collection website is also an excellent reference for the Burns Trail and Burns Museums and centres across Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders and Glasgow.

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Robert Burns House Dumfries & Ellisland Farm Burns House

Robert Burns historic homes include two properties in Dumfries, the first Ellisland Farm (now a Burns museum) was inhabited by Burns from 1788 when he began farming here in June that year. His wife Jean Armour and his 2 year old son Robert followed him down in December 1788. Two of his sons, Francis Wallace and William Nicol were born at Ellisland. Burns didn't see much success on Ellisland in first arable farming followed by a stab at dairy farming. His weak heart didn't help either. He finally gave up in 1791 and the Burns family moved into Dumfries centre to a house on what is now Burns Street. Ellisland had certainly given Burns plenty of inspiration - he wrote around 160 songs here and he composed one of his most famous poems - Tam O' Shanter here in 1790.

The farm sits to the north of Dumfries centre (see Ellisland Farm's weblink right for directions and opening times). It's beautifully set with a choice of walks in the surrounding rural area. The tour at Ellisland takes in Hermitage cottage where Burns retreated to write poetry, the farmhouse and many original farm buildings from Burns' day including the Granary and the Byre. Check the Ellisland Farm weblink right for details. Ellisland Farm, Home of Robert Burns, Holywood Road, Auldgirth, Dumfries, Scotland, DG2 0RP. Tel. 01387 740426.

Robert Burns' house in central Dumfries sits on Burns Street near St Michael's Church. Burns died in this house in 1796 aged just 37. His son Maxwell was born just a few days after his death. The Burns House is as much a mecca for Burns fans as the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth is for Bronte fans. Burns House offers an insight into Burns family life in the 18th century, plus items owned and used by Scotland's National Bard such as his writing desk and chair situated in the study and a collection of original manuscripts and first editions of his poetry alongside other belongings. A shop (with most of his poetic works on sale) is on-site, and this historic Scottish Burns mecca is free to enter! Check the Burns House weblink right for up-to-date opening times.

Whilst at Burns House, Burns composed 115 songs specifically for a 'Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs'. Robert Burns House, Burns Street, Dumfries, DG1 2PS. Tel. 01387 255297.

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Robert Burns & The Globe Inn Dumfries

Robert Burns' favourite pub in Dumfries was The Globe Inn, and today it survives both as a mecca for Robert Burns fans who want to take the guided tour, and in its own right as a fine traditional real ale pub. Sample some of the Burns Ale or one of the Globes 42 at last count fine Malt Whiskies. (food is served between 10am and 3pm daily).

The Globe Inn is a tavern that dates back to 1610 - it's one of the oldest surviving taverns in Scotland! During the last 5 years of his life in Dumfries as an exciseman, Robert Burns was particularly fond of the place, and by the time he began visiting and chatting up Anna Park, niece of the Globe's landlord, The Globe was a bustling and thriving tavern within Dumfries. From the 1750s records show that Dumfries was a major port from which Scots from across the Southwest and elsewhere in Scotland emigrated to America (alongside other emigration ports at Kirkcudbright and Stranraer). In 1774 65 people from the Galloway area set sail on The Adventure heading for New York. Some may well have passed through The Globe's doors on their way.

This gem of an old tavern hasn't changed much since Robert Burns' time (albeit the disappearance of the stables). The guided tour takes in the courtyard, lounge bar, snug bar, kitchen, Burns room, bedroom and the famous Howff Club Committee Room which lay blocked off and undiscovered for years. The Burns Howff Club has promoted the work of Burns since it was instituted in 1889. As part of the tour you'll get the lowdown on the Globe's ghost, a resident mischievous servant girl (or possibly Anna Park, who died at the end of the 18th century. A few people have seen her apparently. A shop selling tasteful Burns gifts is also on-site. For a full history of the Globe checkout their website right.

The Globe Inn, 56 High Street, Dumfries, Scotland DG1 2JA. Tel International. 00 44 1387 252 335. (Tel UK. 01387 252 335). The Globe Inn website is linked right for details.

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Robert Burns Centre Dumfries

Head for the Robert Burns Centre on Mill Road for a Burns extravaganza of original manuscripts and more of the poet's belongings. Also on show is an audio visual display plus model of Dumfries in 1790.

Like the Burns House, the Burns Centre in Dumfries is free to enter, with museum trails and fun activities also on the menu. The on-site shop holds extensive works by Burns on sale, plus gifts and local crafs. Check the Burns Centre weblink right for up-to-date opening times.

Robert Burns Centre, Mill Road, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, DG2 7BE. Scotland. Tel International. 00 44 1387 264808. (Tel UK. 01387 264808).

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