Burns spent a long time travelling to and fro Ellisland in Auldgirth before moving in. It was a busy time, doing excise training then duties, writing to Clarinda, Jean giving birth and of course building the house itself.

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During his time staying at Ellisland Burns wrote some of his most popular and renowned works including Auld Lang Syne, Tam o' Shanter, The Banks of Doon and Ae Fond Kiss. His spot on the River Nith was idyllic and inspirational.

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The nearby Friars Carse was a mansion Burns spent some rewarding time in with Capt. Riddell and his wife. He also found solitude in its outbuilding The Hermitage to write. A drunken incident though ended the friendship forever.

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Friars Carse was also the venue of 'the whistle competition' re-enacted by Burns and his cronies who drank until they could no longer blow a whistle. Friars Carse restaurant is today called 'The Whistle Restaurant'.

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Ellisland is now a museum and farm authentic to Burns day. Friars Carse is still a grand country house. There is a walking trail between the two that Burns would have taken on the banks of the River Nith.  Why not follow his footsteps.

 

Burns time in Auldgirth was to be creative and productive, albeit not without controversy, in this inspirational dwelling  ...