Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns
Did you know that Robert Burns was the first person to feature on a Coca Cola bottle? Or that a book of his poems has orbited the earth 217 times? And he NEVER signed his name as Rabbie? This is a modern and light hearted look at the life and works of Robert Burns; poems explained; myths busted; songs sung and stories told. Listen, laugh, and maybe even learn something new with Alastair Turnbull and guests.
Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns
Burns Banter S2 Ep4 - Mossgiel, Women and a Book
In this episode we look briefly at Robert's father, William - Then a Farm called Mossgiel - Roberts turbulent private life and a book called 'Poem Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect'. This is a wild and unpredictable time in Roberts life, (roughly 1784 - 1786). His father passes away in 1784, they need to move to a new farm, Mossgiel, and as Robert is the eldest son, he is now the head of the family. This responsibility does not sit well on his shoulders and he needs a lot of help from his brother Gilbert. At this point in his life he is very interested in women and we talk about four in particular. Elizabeth Paton, Helen Miller, Jean Armour and Mary Campbell, (Known as 'Highland Mary' - even although her real name was actually Margret!). Robert is now in a bit of trouble and decides to emigrate to Jamaica...
