Alloway is the birthplace of Robert Burns. He was born on 25 January 1759 in a cottage with a thatched roof built by his father. Burns lived there until he was seven years old and went to school at Alloway Mill.

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The family then moved to the nearby Mount Oliphant Farm where they stayed until Burns was sixteen. During this time he walked to Alloway to be schooled by Murdoch. His father saw something in him and encouraged him to read.

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Burns began to find himself in these years. He was poor in wealth but rich in discoveries with family, love, poetry, learning, farming and nature shaping the man he would become. By age fourteen he had written 'Handsome Nell'.

Alloway today boasts The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the largest collection in the world of Burns artefacts including manuscripts, rare books, interactive exhibits and art. The centrepiece of the National Burns Collection.

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The walkable landmarks surrounding the museum include Burns Cottage, Monument Gardens, Auld Kirk Graveyard, Poet's Path and The Brig o' Doon. Alloway was the most special place in Burns life and remains special today.

Alloway is the ideal starting point for anyone following in Burns footsteps. The beating heart of the poet, the bard's birthplace ...