Robert Burns and Midlothian

Robert Burns and Midlothian

Robert Burns’ links with Midlothian have been celebrated in a new exhibition and booklet prepared by Midlothian Council Library Service. 

Midlothian boasts of several associations with Burns which are described in the new exhibition and booklet.  In the summer of 1787 he visited Roslin Glen and had breakfast in the famous Roslin Inn. He enjoyed himself so much that he wrote a short poem to give his thanks to the landlady, Mrs Annie Wilson.

Midlothian was important in Burns’ early career because William Creech of Newbattle published the ‘First Edinburgh Edition’ of his poetry, which was an instant bestseller. Burns and Creech became good friends and Burns wrote a poem in Creech’s honour.

Burns was a great admirer of Henry Mackenzie’s novel The Man of Feeling, which he claimed to have read so often that he wore out two copies. Mackenzie had a summer retreat at Auchendinny House near Penicuik and he was also a friend of Sir Walter Scott when Scott lived at Barony Cottage, Lasswade.

Robert Burns was also been a great inspiration for many local writers and poets, and there have been several Burns’ Clubs in the Midlothian area.

Currently the exhibition is touring libraries in Midlothian. Copies of the free booklet are available from local libraries.

The project is part financed by the Scottish Government, Midlothian Council and the European Community Tyne Esk Leader 2007-2013 Programme.

Ken Bogle  0131-271-3976