Undiscovered Scotland

 

The Burns House Museum and Library pays homage to the life and legacy of Robert Burns. It can be found right in the heart of Mauchline, down a quiet street near the parish church.

Robert Burns lived from 25 January 1759 to 21 July 1796. He is regarded as Scotland's national poet: an icon who has loomed large in Scottish culture and consciousness ever since his early death at the age of 37.

In 1788, Burns moved from Edinburgh back to his native Ayrshire and married Jean Armour. They set up home together in Mauchline. The room they lived in has been preserved to form part of the museum. (Continues below images...)

 

The Burns House Museum isn’t large, but it is fascinating, offering a glimpse into the lives of Robert Burns and Jean Armour, a strong contender for the title of history’s most forgiving wife.

While the main building is given over to the community library and to exhibitions about Burns, the former Nanse Tinnock’s alehouse on the opposite side of the street has exhibitions devoted to two other things Mauchline is famous for, curling stones and wooden Mauchline Ware.

During the 1800s the building now housing the museum deteriorated to the point that it was uninhabitable by 1915. Charles Cowie, a Glasgow merchant, funded a major renovation during which the house became a small museum that also provided accommodation for the elderly. In 1958 the remaining residents moved out to more suitable accommodation, and an appeal was launched to again restore the property. In 1969 the Burns House Museum re-opened and it has been updated periodically ever since.