About the Area

Robert Burns in Ayrshire

Mauchline is famous for its links with Scotland's national bard. Burns moved to Mossgiel farm on the village's outskirts in 1784 and enjoyed his most prolific writing period here. Works on Holy Willie, The Mauchline Belles, The Holy Fair and many, many more were penned during his time here.

Mauchline is remarkably unchanged since Burns' time and many of the buildings he frequented such as Poosie Nancies and his home are still here.

The churchyard has the graves of many of the friends and family immortalised in his verse.

At the top of the town you can find the Burns National Memorial and there is a Burns House Museum located in the town centre.

Kirk Alloway

Here is the setting for 'Tam O'Shanter', Burns' masterpiece, where Satan played and witches and warlocks danced. It takes little imagination to picture the fiends and winsome wench Nannie, whose antics and dancing caused Tam and his mare Meg such misfortune. The Kirk yard also contains the grave of William Burns, the Poet's father.

Brig O'Doon

Made famous as the setting for Tam O'Shanter's mare Meg loosing her tail to the witch Nannie in the frightful but funny poem which describes the fate of those who have a 'wee dram too many.' The brig straddles the bonnie River Doon, a beautiful setting for such a tale of darkness!

Burns Monument & Garden

The Grecian style Monument, opened in 1823 is a conspicuous landmark set in famous gardens. It houses a small museum and provides a vantagepoint where the visitor can view the Brig O'Doon. The Statue House contains figures of well-known characters whose demeanour is certain to raise a smile.