Robert Burns
Robert Burns was born in Ayrshire on January 25th 1759. A son of William and Agnes (Broun) and one of a family of seven, he was born in a cottage at Alloway on the outskirts of Ayr. This cottage, Burns Cottage, which has been restored to replicate living conditions in that era, is visited by people from all over the world. The cottage is also a museum which contains many of Burns original works.
Over his short life of thirty six years and six months he was to become one of Scotland’s greatest sons and poets as a result of a natural flair for rhyme coupled with an extraordinary perception and his ability to record these observations. His further ability to express himself in the most colourful of English language, much of which was in Scots dialect, beggars belief of one who received a minimum education certainly by modern standards.
To many he has a reputation as a womaniser and this is difficult to deny as his works refer to the many women in his life. He is also credited with being fond of "the drink". While it would be foolish to deny he enjoyed company and a wee usquabae, (whisky) it is not logical that so much could have been achieved in such a short time had much of that time had been spent "bousing at the nappy" (Verse 1- "Tam o' Shanter") However, it is certain that he would have enjoyed a wee nip of our Special Limited Edition Whisky.
Having spent a great deal of time and having written many beautiful words about Ayrshire and of his known affection for the Afton area, what is now New Cumnock, he would readily approve of our Woodland Regeneration Project.
How pleasant thy banks and green vallies below
Where wild in the woodlands the primroses blow;
There oft, as mild ev'ning weeps over the lea,
The sweet scented birk shades my Mary and me.
(Verse 4- "Sweet Afton")