Moffat Town :- Robert Burns, Poet of Scotland Return to :- [Moffat Homepage] [Moffat Server Index] [Description] [Where We Are] [History] [People] [Attractions] [Events] [Where To Stay] [Where To Eat] [Moffat Business Index] [Amenities of Moffat]

They Were Here : William Wallace * Robert Bruce * Archibald Johnstone * Lord Claverhouse * James Boswell J.L. McAdam * Thomas Telford * Robert Burns * James Hogg * Charles Lapworth D.E. Stevenson * Air Chief Marshal Lord Hugh Dowding * Robin Jenkins * Mora Dickson

The greatest of all the Scottish poets was born in Ayr and lived much of his life in Dumfries, but he visited Moffat many times, fond both of the scenery and those in it. The daughter of a local farmer was the 'Chloris' of his poems. The Black Bull Inn used to have a window pane on which Burns had inscribed a short poem, but the window is now in St. Petersburg in Russia. However, there is a replica in the Black Bull Inn at Moffat.

Craigieburn and Duncrief woods are said to have been favorite haunts of Burns. One of his poems mentions them :- 'Sweet fa's the eve on Craigieburn' the main reason, no doubt, being Jean Lorimer, the 'Chloris' who inspired eleven of the poet's lyrics..

For the more convivial, the song 'Willie brew'd a Peck o' Maut' is said to have been set in a small ale-house, now demolished and with a 19th Century lodge on the site, near to Craigieburn House.

It would be difficult to do justice to the life of Robert Burns in this short page. Visitors are recommended to examine the many on-line versions of his life for themselves and to consider staying in Moffat when visiting Burns's favourite haunts.

Burns Attractions :

At or near Dumfries (21 miles from Moffat) :

Brow Well, nr. Ruthwell : Mineral well where Burns sought a cure from his final illness.
Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries : A historical and literary place to study Burns, but with a good audiovisual display and a cafe. Also, a rather good Film Theatre.
Telephone : 01387-264808.
Burns House, Dumfries : Sandstone house where Robert Burns lived after his abortive time as a farmer and whilst he was a Customs Officer. Displays and artefacts of the period.
Telephone : 01387-255297.
Burns Mausoleum, St. Michaels : The grave of Robert Burns in St. Michael's Churchyard, Dumfries.
Ellisland Farm : The farmhouse, built by Robert Burns, contains exhibits connected with the poet.
Telephone : 01387-740426.
The Globe Inn : Robert Burns's 'favourite howff', a 17th century working pub in the centre of Dumfries. Preserves the 'Poet's Chair'.
Telephone : 01387-252335.

At or near Ayr (53 miles from Moffat) :

Burns National Heritage Park : The premier poet of Scotland lived in this area for much of his life. The Heritage Park comprises four sites within half a mile of one another, on the south side of Ayr :-

Burns Cottage & Museum : Robert Burns, the poet, was born here on on 25th January 1759, in a thatched cottage built by his father. This was his home until 1766. The cottage has audiovisual displays and an adjacent cottage is a museum of Burnsiana and a tearoom. Open summer, daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., reduced hours in winter.
Telephone : 01292-441215. Fax and Website : See Tam O' Shanter Experience.
N.B. This is a Scottish Tourist Board 'Highly Commended' attraction.

Tam O'Shanter Experience : This impressive presentation brings to life Burns's most famous work. Presented in a three-screen theatre set with modern multi-media techniques to show visitors 18th-century Ayr. There is also a 12-minute 'Discover Burns' audiovisual presentation. 120-seat restaurant and gift shop. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Telephone : 01292-443700. Fax : 01292-441750.
Website : http://www.robertburns.org/ E-mail : Not yet available.
N.B. This is a Scottish Tourist Board 'Highly Commended' attraction.

Auld Kirk of Alloway : The setting for the gathering of the coven interrupted by the drunken Tam O'Shanter. This is ironic, as Burns's father was actually buried here.
All communications through Tam O'Shanter Experience.

Brig O'Doon : Spans the River Doon. This single arch bridge is the setting for the climax to Burns's poem. Tam was saved by his horse, Maggie, at the expense of her tail, torn out by the young witch Nannie.
All communications through Tam O'Shanter Experience.

Burns Monument & Gardens : 1823 Grecian monument dedicated to the poet, set in attractive gardens beside the River Ayr. Open April to October.
All communications through Tam O'Shanter Experience.

Bachelors' Club, Tarbolton : Formed in 1780 by Robert Burns and six others as a literary and debating society. Building used for the meeting now a museum with period furnishings. National Trust for Scotland property. Open 1st May - 30th November 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and same hours during weekends in October.
N.B. This is a Scottish Tourist Board 'Commended' attraction.
Telephone : 01292-541940.

Burns House Museum, Mauchline : Burns took a room on the upper floor for Jean Armour in 1788. Room kept intact and furnished in the style of the time.
Telephone : 01290-550045.

Souter Johnnie's Cottage, Kirkoswald : Thatched cottage home of village cobbler (souter) John Davidson at the end of the 18th century. He was later immortalised in Burns's poem 'Tam O'Shanter'. Display of Burnsiana and contemporary cobblers' tools. Run by National Trust for Scotland. Open 1st May to 30th September, 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., weekends in October 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Telephone : 01655-760603/760274.
N.B. This is a Scottish Tourist Board 'Commended' attraction.

National Burns Memorial Tower, Mauchline : Opened 1896, refurbished with Tourist Information Centre on ground floor. Interpretation centre on first and second floors on Burns's life in Mauchline, and industry in Cumnock and Doon Valley. Open all year, Monday - Saturday 9.15 - 5 p.m.
Telephone : 01290-551916.