Before Burns was born his father made his way to the Newington area of Edinburgh to work as a gardener at what was then known as Hope Park and is now known as The Meadows.

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Many years later poet Dr Thomas Blacklock suggested to Burns that rather than sail to the West Indies he try Edinburgh. Dr Blacklock lived in Pear Tree House on West Nicholson St. and Burns often visited. His house is now a pub.

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On his second stay in Edinburgh Burns lived with his friend William Nicol in Buccleuch Square. The two enjoyed many nights of dancing and debauchery in The Assembly Rooms, William's hard drinking doing little for Burns reputation.

A literary supper at Sciennes Hill House was to be the only occassion that a young Walter Scott and Burns would meet. It is said to have been a profound moment, marked today by a plaque where this house stands.

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Potterrow in Newington was also where Burns met with and wrote to Agnes McLehose. A great tale of love between two poetic souls. They wrote under the names Clarinda and Sylvester to protect her married identity.

Newington in Edinburgh was central to the period Burns spent in the city. All thanks to the poet in the pear tree  ...