Three Robert Burns sites to visit in Scotland

1. Bachelors’ Club

Discover the authentically restored 17^th-century house where Robert Burns and his friends started their own debate club, passionately arguing about the issues of the day. It was in this building that Burns learnt and improved his dance skills and became a Freemason.

The Bachelors Club in the village of Tarbolton is a thatched house which has been converted into a museum telling the story of Robert Burns and his links with the area. The downstairs of the building is presented as an 18^th-century living space, whilst upstairs visitors can see the room where the male-only debating society members met.

Bachelors Club, Sandgate Street, Tarbolton KA5 5RB; tel: 01292 541940; website.

2. The Globe Inn

Established in 1610, the Globe Inn on the High Street of Dumfries is said to have been the favourite drinking establishment of Robert Burns.

Burns first became a customer of The Globe whilst staying at nearby Ellisland Farm and today’s visitors can see a piece of glass on which the poet etched three verses.  

56 High Street, Dumfries DG1 2JA; tel: 01387 252335; website.

3. The Burns House Museum

Burns and wife Jean Armour rented a room in the village of Mauchline whilst they waited for their new farm to be ready to live in. That building is now the Burns House Museum, which uses Burns artefacts to explore Burns’ time in Mauchline and how some of its residents inspired the colourful characters which would later appear in his literary works.

Burns House Museum, Castle Street, Mauchline KA5 5BZ; tel: 01290 550045; website.

Images© Rosser1954