The Clan system was not only dead; it was outlawed. There was no religious freedom for the peoples of the land. Making any sort of decent living was almost impossible. It was forbidden for the men to gather, to speak Gaelic, to carry weapons and to wear the kilt or a tartan. The Highland Clearances had started and Scot's were leaving their native country in droves. Those with strong beliefs were killed or banished from their country; for those that remained, the only legal weapon was the pen.

It was into this environment that Robbie Burns was born on January 25th, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland. In different times Robbie may have become a warrior or knight, Earl or Baron, but instead, he became the famous writer and poet that is remembered today in Alloway and throughout the world.

The town of Robbie Burns' birth was represented quite well in his works and has greatly changed over the last two hundred years. Today Alloway is a suburb of Ayr in the Strathclyde region and is one of the main holiday areas in Scotland. In thanks, and in respect to Mr. Burns himself, the town and the area have erected many monuments. The Burns National Heritage Park is dedicated to pleasing not only the tourist, but also the Robbie Burns fan.

The Burns Cottage

This is the house in which Robbie Burns was born. It is a clay and straw structure with a turf and branch roof typical of a farm of the time. This structure was restored close to original in 1993.

The Robbie Burns Museum

The Museum maintains many original manuscripts of Mr. Burns along with sculptures and artifacts that add to the Burns experience. The curator and staff are available for questions about Robbie Burns works and interpretations. The museum also contains a gift shop.

Burns Monument

The Burns monument is Grecian style designed by Thomas Hamilton and opened in 1823. It contains Burns' mementos and is set in the famous gardens that contain statues of Tam o'Shanter and Souter Johnnie. From the monument the visitor can view Brig o'Doon where the conclusion of the poem on Tam o'Shanter took place.

Auld Brig o' Doon

The Bridge itself, which was used in the famous poem of Tam o'Shanter.

Tam O'Shanter Experience

This visitor's center opened in 1995 and contains a restaurant, a gift shop and two audio-visual theaters. In the theaters, tourists can learn about Robbie Burns and his most famous works.

The Auld Kirk

The Setting for the Tam o'Shanter, it also contains the grave of Robbie Burns father.

by BW, January, 2000

Thanks to Galloway Granite for the use of their picture of the steps of the Tam O'Shanter Inn, Ayr.

Links:

Biography of Robbie Burns on Gathering of the Clans

Britannica Bio of Robbie Burns

Alloway, Ayrshire (Britannica)

Alloway

The Alloway Monument

Alloway, Ayrshire

South Ayrshire

Tam o' Shanter