Robert Burns, poet, 1759 – 1796
The birthday of Robert Burns is most often celebrated with a Burns Supper on the 25 January each year. Although he was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in Edinburgh we have our share of memorials and tributes, so this article is to help you find them when you’re visiting Edinburgh.
Places to find connections with Robert Burns in Edinburgh
- Scottish Poetry Library where you can read his poetry
- The Writers’ Museum – dedicated to Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott.
- Burns Monument in Regent Road, Edinburgh
- Scottish National Portrait Gallery – see the statue which was originally in the Monument, as well as a portrait by Alexander Nasmyth.
- Calton Hill – where you can find a memorial stone from one of his and Jean Armour’s houses.
- Clarinda’s Tearoom in the Canongate, Royal Mile – the Tearoom is decorated with mementos to Agnes MacLehose, for whom he wrote ‘Ae Fond Kiss’. This is one of my absolute favourites of his songs, containing the lines: “But to see her was to love her; Love but her, and love forever.”
- Burns Statue in Leith
- Canongate Kirk – memorial to Robert Fergusson with epitaph and memorial to Clarinda.
- Anchor Close, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
- Baxter’s Close, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Read more in an article by Michael TRB Turnbull, author of the Edinburgh Graveyard Guide.
If you’re thinking of visiting Scotland, or want help in planning your visit here, then do get in touch. We’d be very happy to welcome you to Craigwell Cottage in Edinburgh for stays of 3 nights or more while you explore the city and surrounding area.
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