Discovering
Robert Burns
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s best-loved son
www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade
DISCOVERING ROBERT BURNS
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s best-loved son
Ideal for groups and FITs on short breaks and touring holidays
From America to Australia, India to Italy, and China to Russia, Robert Burns’s life
as poet, musician, lover, humanitarian and national hero has universal appeal.
An inspiration for literary masters, rock legends and filmmakers, his artistic legacy
consists of more than 600 poems and songs written over a short lifetime, ranging
from Auld Lang Syne – sung the world over at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s
Eve – to the ghost story Tam o’ Shanter and the romantic Ye Banks and Braes.
DUNKELD
0
20
0
CULLODEN
BATTLEFIELD
KILLIECRANKIE
THE HERMITAGE
GLENFINNAN
MONUMENT
BRODIE CASTLE
40 kms
20 miles
10
N
Thurso
6
A83
A9
9
ALLOA TOWER
A9
A9
Lewis
A8
37
St Kilda
41 miles west
of North Uist
Inverewe
Garden
Ullapool
Corrieshalloch
Gorge
A83
2
Harris
Poolewe
North
Uist
Hugh Miller’s
Birthplace Cottage
Cromarty Brodie Castle
& Museum
A8
32
Torridon
Benbecula
Nairn
Kyle of
Lochalsh
Inverness
A9
Fyvie
Castle
6
Huntly
Haddo House
Pitmedden
Garden
A9
7
Strome Castle
A948
Culloden
Battlefield
90
A8
Skye
8
A9
A947
6
A89
South Uist
Fraserburgh
8
A9
A832
Balmacara
Estate &
Woodland
Kintail &
Walks
Morvich
Canna
Rum
7
A88
Craignure
A827
Oban
A85
Crianlarich
Ben Lomond
Stirling
Weaver’s
Cottage
A7
36
M77
Pollok House
M77
A726
A77
01
A7
A710
EdinburghEdinburgh
A90
A90
A77
The Georgian House
The Georgian House
M74
A1
M8
Holmwood
A749
A725
Greenbank Garden
Greenbank Garden
WEAVER’S COTTAGE
THE GEORGIAN
HOUSE
Ecclefechan
A74
M74
A6
Thomas
Carlyle’s
Birthplace
Gladstone’s
Land
Rockcliffe
The Georgian
House House
Broughton
The Georgian House
A8
Pollok House
Holmwood
Land
Kirkcudbright
Castle
Douglas
98
A68
13
A7
Stranraer
A8
8
41
Tenement
House
Glasgow Glasgow
A74
Threave
Garden
Gladstone’s
St Abbs
Berwick
A697
Garden
08
A7
Grey Mare’s Tail
Dumfries
A
St Abb’s Head
A1
Innerleithen
Kelso
Melrose
Moffat
14
A6
A8
0
A7
Inveresk
Lodge
Garden
Harmony
Robert Smail’s
Garden
Printing Works Priorwood
Maybole
Kirkoswald
A75
Malleny
Garden
A72
A73
A7
2
71
enement
House
Preston Mill &
East Linton
A7
M74
Robert Burns
Birthplace Museum
Souter Johnnie's
Cottage
SOUTHERN GEMS
0
A71
David
Livingstone
Centre
A71
Kirkcaldy
House of
the Binns Newhailes
M8
Tarbolton
Ayr
Culzean Castle
M9
Bachelors’ Club
Brodick Castle
Kellie Castle
Edinburgh Phantassie Doocot
A703
Ardrossan
Goatfell
A83
St Andrews
Falkland Palace
Alloa Tower
6
Glasgow
A8
Barry Mill
2
A9
Hill of Tarvit
Culross Palace
The Pineapple
The Battle of
1
Bannockburn
M80
A81
Forfar
Glamis
Branklyn Garden
M90
A88
A816
Crarae
Garden
Angus Folk
Museum
Dundee
Perth
A9
Arduaine
Garden
The Hill House
Helensburgh
Geilston Garden
HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHTS
A822
A85
Montrose
3
The
Hermitage
Dunkeld
2
A9
A7
Mull
24
Ben Lawers
House
of Dun
A9
A849
KEY
0
A9
J M Barrie's
Birthplace
Killiecrankie
Pitlochry
A82
Glencoe &
Dalness
A849
Aberdeen
Drum
Castle
A93
A9
A861
Iona
A944
Crathes
Castle
A93
Tobermory
Burg
Castle Fraser
Craigievar
Castle
A86
Fort William
Staffa
A9
Mar Lodge
Estate
Glenfinnan
Monument
A830
Eigg
Kingussie
A87
A7
Pabbay
Mingulay
Berneray
A8
2
Barra
Leith Hall Inverurie
A71
A749
BACHELORS’ CLUB
A772
A71
A70
A725
Gladstone’s
Land
M8
A7
Gladstone’s
Land
A720
A70 A703
CULZEAN CASTLE
SOUTER JOHNNIE’S
COTTAGE
A1
A7
A772
A720
A7
ROBERT BURNS
BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
GLADSTONE’S LAND
A703
BROUGHTON HOUSE
A7
ROBERT SMAIL’S
PRINTING WORKS
SOUTHERN GEMS
Start your journey from Glasgow or Edinburgh to discover:
THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN – prepare for battle!
Stirling FK7 0LJ
One of the UK’s most famous historic battle sites, Bannockburn was visited by
Burns in 1787 as part of his tour of Stirlingshire and the Highlands. He wrote to a
friend that ‘two hours ago, I said a fervent prayer for old Caledonia over the hole
in a blue whin-stone where Robert de Bruce fixed his royal Standard on the banks
of Bannockburn’.
In the Trust’s brand new visitor centre, 700 years after King Robert the Bruce’s
famous victory in 1314, experience medieval warfare like never before and
discover how the tactics and decisions of two kings inspired events which defined
the Scottish nation.
Other attractions in the local area:
NTS: Alloa Tower; Culross Palace
Non-NTS: Duncarron Medieval Village; Stirling Castle (HS); Wallace Monument
WEAVER’S COTTAGE
Kilbarchan PA10 2JG
Built in 1723, the cottage houses the last of 800 handlooms once used in this
traditional weaving village. Watch our weavers spinning, pirn winding and
weaving wool, dyed from natural ingredients found in our cottage garden – then
perhaps have a go yourself! The specially designed Burns family tartan bedspread,
part of the worldwide celebrations to mark Burns’s 250th birthday, was woven
here – the bedspread is currently on display at Burns Cottage in Alloway, part of
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. In celebration of the 700th anniversary of the
Battle of Bannockburn, the new Battle of Bannockburn tartan was also designed
here, inspired by King Robert the Bruce’s famous victory in 1314.
Other attractions in the local area:
NTS: David Livingstone Centre; Geilston Garden; Greenbank Garden; Holmwood;
Pollok House; The Tenement House
Non-NTS: Glasgow city attractions
BACHELORS’ CLUB
Tarbolton KA5 5RB
30 miles from Glasgow, in the heart of Burns Country, Bachelors’ Club offers a
special introduction to Burns as a young man. In this 17th-century thatched house
Burns attended dancing lessons in 1779, formed a debating club in 1780 and was
initiated as a Freemason in 1781 – much to the chagrin of his father.
Other attractions in the local area:
Non-NTS: Crossraguel Abbey (HS); Dumfries House
ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
Alloway KA7 4PQ
Set among 10 acres of the poet’s cherished Alloway countryside, the museum
comprises the famous Burns Cottage where the poet was born over 250 years
ago, the historic landmarks where he set some of his greatest works, the elegant
monument and gardens created in his honour and a modern museum housing the
world’s most important collection of his work, including a miniature volume of
verse that travelled 5.7 million miles to space! Take a stroll along Poet’s Path and
you may even meet a very famous ‘wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie’.
For an exclusive Burns experience, join us in the place where it all began and
celebrate the National Bard’s birthday with a traditional Burns Supper, including
pipes, poetry and the ritual slicing of a steaming haggis. Burns Night is on 25
January, but we invite you to celebrate at any time of the year – pre-booking is
essential.
CULZEAN CASTLE
Maybole KA19 8LE
Robert Burns’s mother, Agnes, was sent to live in Maybole with her maternal
grandmother in 1744 after her father remarried. It’s believed she met William
Burness (Robert’s father) at Maybole Fair in 1756 – they married a year later. One
of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, Culzean Castle is an 18th-century Robert
Adam masterpiece. From its clifftop location, the castle is framed by terraced
gardens, woodland walks, sandy beaches, caves and panoramic sea views. With
strong links to President Eisenhower, the castle boasts beautiful interiors and
collections, including one of the most important collections of flintlock pistols and
swords in the world.
SOUTER JOHNNIE’S COTTAGE
Kirkoswald KA19 8HY
A visit to Souter Johnnie’s Cottage is like stepping into one of Burns’s poems. This
was the home of souter (shoemaker) John Davidson and his family. Souter Johnnie
was immortalised by Burns in the epic poem Tam o’ Shanter: ‘and at his elbow,
Souter Johnnie, his ancient, trusty, drouthy crony’. The thatched cottage, built
in 1785, contains Burns memorabilia and a workshop displaying the tools of a
village souter.
BROUGHTON HOUSE
Kirkcudbright DG6 4JX
The home and studio to Scottish artist and ‘Glasgow Boy’ E A Hornel, this
fascinating 18th-century town house is adorned with paintings and holds one of
the most significant collections in the world of works by and about Robert Burns,
including many early editions such as the first ‘Kilmarnock edition’ of Burns’s
Poems. On Hornel’s death in 1933, the library contained an astounding 15,000
volumes. Explore Hornel’s idyllic garden influenced by his love of Japan, where
highlights include a newly discovered variety of orchid (Dactylorhiza ‘Tizzy
Hornel’) and the increasingly rare Japanese Mitella kiusana.
Other attractions in the local area:
NTS: Rockcliffe; Threave Garden
Non-NTS: Galloway Forest Park (FCS); Threave Castle (HS)
ROBERT SMAIL’S PRINTING WORKS
Innerleithen EH44 6HA
Described by Burns as a ‘famous spa’, this quaint Scottish Borders village was
later celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in his novel St Ronan’s Well. Look out for the
plaque commemorating Burns’s visit in May 1787. In celebration of the written
word, enjoy a fantastic hands-on experience at the UK’s only fully restored
Victorian letterpress jobbing printers. Have a go at authentic typesetting and see
the 100-year-old presses working at full throttle. Whatever your age, you’ll leave
with a big smile and perhaps a souvenir! Inspiring Innerleithen
Other attractions in the local area:
NTS: Harmony Garden; Priorwood Garden
Non-NTS: Abbotsford (HHA); Melrose Abbey (HS); St Ronan’s Wells; Traquair House
(HHA); Tweed Valley Forest Park (FCS)
GLADSTONE’S LAND
Edinburgh EH1 2NT
Burns made several visits to Edinburgh, now the world’s first UNESCO City of
Literature, to oversee the publication of his work and as a guest of the city’s
men of letters. Today, you can get a feel for the city’s Old Town and experience
what life was like over 400 years ago by visiting Gladstone’s Land on the Royal
Mile. Discover the indignities of living in cramped conditions, the embarrassing
consequences of sitting too close to the fire and the gruesome punishment for
cheating your customers! Allow time for a visit to the nearby Scottish Parliament,
which was inaugurated with a rendition of Burns’s famous song A Man’s A Man
For A’ That.
Other attractions in the local area:
NTS: Inveresk Lodge Garden, Malleny Garden, Newhailes
Non-NTS: Edinburgh Castle and city attractions
THE GEORGIAN HOUSE
Edinburgh EH2 4DR
Described by Burns as ‘the heavenly Hanoverianism’ of Edinburgh’s New Town,
Charlotte Square is Robert Adam’s masterpiece of urban design. Situated at the
heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, adjacent to Bute House – the official
residence of the First Minister of Scotland – The Georgian House offers a unique
and fascinating insight into fashionable high society living in late 18th- and early
19th-century Scotland. Discover grand rooms like no others in central Edinburgh,
rich in paintings, silverware, china and furniture; then compare this ‘upstairs’,
well-to-do lifestyle with the ‘below stairs’ life of the domestic staff. Look out for
the large collection of Tassie medallions, including a portrait of Napoleon, and the
plaque commemorating the 1913 visit of Abdu’l- Bahá.
HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHTS
Start your journey from Glasgow or Edinburgh to discover:
THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN – prepare for battle!
Stirling FK7 0LJ
One of the UK’s most famous historic battle sites, Bannockburn was visited by
Burns in 1787 as part of his tour of Stirlingshire and the Highlands. He wrote to a
friend that ‘two hours ago, I said a fervent prayer for old Caledonia over the hole
in a blue whin-stone where Robert de Bruce fixed his royal Standard on the banks
of Bannockburn’.
In the Trust’s brand new visitor centre, 700 years after King Robert the Bruce’s
famous victory in 1314, experience medieval warfare like never before and
discover how the tactics and decisions of two kings inspired events which defined
the Scottish nation.
Other attractions in the local area:
NTS: Culross Palace
Non-NTS: Duncarron Medieval Village; Stirling Castle (HS); Wallace Monument
ALLOA TOWER
Alloa, FK10 1PP
Dating from the 14th century, Alloa Tower is the largest and oldest keep in
Scotland and has entertained many monarchs over the centuries, including Mary,
Queen of Scots and James VI and I. It was also home to the 7th Earl of Mar, who
came to Burns’s rescue in 1793 when Burns was threatened with losing his position
in the Excise due to his radical views. Explore the medieval dungeon, sweeping
Italianate staircase, rare double groin-vaulted ceiling and 1st-floor well.
DUNKELD
Dunkeld PH8 0AN
Burns visited various beauty spots in Highland Perthshire including the town of
Dunkeld where he met famous fiddler and composer Niel Gow to whose music
he set Address to the Woodlark. In Cathedral Street and The Cross, the Trust has
restored 20 houses, some dating from the rebuilding of the town after the Battle of
Dunkeld in 1689. Although these private homes are not open to the public, you are
welcome to visit the Ell Shop, named after the weaver’s measure on the wall outside.
Other attractions in the local area:
Non-NTS: Beatrix Potter Exhibition; Loch of the Lowes
THE HERMITAGE
Near Dunkeld
Follow in the footsteps of Burns, Wordsworth, Mendelssohn and Turner with a
relaxing stroll along the banks of the River Braan under the cathedral-like canopy
of some of Scotland’s grandest trees. A place of outstanding beauty, The Hermitage
evokes mystery, romance and legend – from Ossian’s Cave and the tales of the
hermit, to Ossian’s Hall, an 18th-century folly with dramatic views over the Black
Linn waterfall; from the Totem pole carved by a Canadian from the Squamish
Nation, to the seasonally changing fragrances and colours of this woodland idyll.
KILLIECRANKIE
Pitlochry PH16 5LG
On 27 July 1689, the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful gorge was shattered
when the first shots in the Jacobite cause were fired. One soldier escaped by
making a spectacular jump across the River Garry at the spot now known as
Soldier’s Leap. A visit to Killiecrankie produced one of Burns’s most popular and
rousing songs, Killiecrankie: ‘But I met the Devil and Dundee / On th’ braes o’
Killiecrankie, O’. The visitor centre tells the story of the battle and the rich natural
history of the Pass. You can also enjoy an adrenaline-pumping bungee jump at the
Pass of Killiecrankie with Highland Fling Bungee.
CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD
Culloden Moor, Inverness IV2 5EU
Burns visited Drummossie Moor, the site of the Battle of Culloden, on 6 September
1787 while on his Highland tour. The entry in his journal reads ‘Come over
Culloden Muir – reflections on the field of battle’. Today, our multi-award-winning
visitor attraction offers the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts leading up to
16 April 1746 when the course of British, European and world history changed
forever. Re-live the battle through the 360-degree immersion theatre, view
breathtaking displays of artefacts and weaponry, then walk the battlefield using
our multi-lingual battlefield guides.
Other attractions in the local area:
Non-NTS: Cawdor Castle (HHA); Fort George (HS)
BRODIE CASTLE
Brodie, Forres IV36 2TE
During his Highland tour, Burns stayed a night with the naturalist and botanist
James Brodie. He wrote to his brother Gilbert on 17 September 1787, ‘I slept at the
famous Brodie of Brodie’s one night’, describing him as ‘truly polite, but not just
the Highland cordiality’. Today, you too will enjoy a warm Scottish welcome at
this iconic 16th-century Scottish tower house, boasting exquisite French furniture;
English, continental and Chinese porcelain; and paintings by Dutch, English and
Scottish masters. The magnificent library contains some 6,000 volumes, while in
spring the grounds display one of Scotland’s greatest daffodil collections.
Other attractions in the local area:
Non-NTS: Cardhu Distillery (DD); Culbin Forest (FCS); Dallas Dhu Historic
Distillery (HS); Elgin Cathedral (HS); Knockando Woolmill
Return to Glasgow or Edinburgh via Corrieshalloch Gorge, Inverewe Garden and
Glencoe, and enjoy some of the wildest, most breathtaking scenery in Scotland –
see Stories of Scotland. En route stop off at Glenfinnan Monument.
GLENFINNAN MONUMENT
Glenfinnan PH37 4LT
Burns wrote, collected and rearranged many songs and poems about Bonnie
Prince Charlie and the ill-fated Jacobite rising. Today, you can stand on the site
where Charles Edward Stuart raised his Standard on 19 August 1745 at the start
of a campaign which ended at the Battle of Culloden. Climb to the top of the
monument and you may even catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express, from the
Harry Potter movies, as it steams across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
ENJOY THE BEST OF SCOTLAND
Earn 25%, save 80%
with our flexible, multi-day Discover Tickets
Enjoy unlimited access to National Trust for Scotland attractions*
with our flexible 3-, 7- and 14-day adult and family Discover Tickets.
Available only to the travel trade, Discover Tickets are perfect for groups and FITs,
short breaks and touring holidays and can save you and your
clients over 80% on standard admissions.
Become an NTS agent and receive 25% commission,
risk-free, on all Discover Tickets you sell.
www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade
Café
Areas accessible for wheelchair users
Gift shop
Facilities for hearing-impaired visitors
Coach parking at or near the property
Information for visually impaired visitors
Car parking at or near the property
Good chance of spotting bats
Information available in different languages
Good chance of spotting wildlife
Venue available for corporate and private hire
Plant sales
Walking trails
(DD) Discovering Distilleries
(HS) Historic Scotland
(FCS) Forestry Commission Scotland
(NTS) National Trust for Scotland
(HHA) Historic Houses Association
Telephone: +44 (0)131 458 0204
Email: [email protected] Website: www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade
Travel Trade Department, The National Trust for Scotland,
Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF
For facts and information about Robert Burns, visit the Scottish Government website Scotland.org
The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity
registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410
*Excludes all island properties.