Robert Burns statue, Dumfries

Robert Burns Statue, Dumfries

The Robert Burns statue is a focal point in Dumfries. Located in Castle street, in front of Greyfriars church, the Burns statue was unveiled in 1882. It was designed by a sculptress called Amelia Hill and was produced from her model, by Italian craftsmen in their local carrara marble. The statue portrays Robert Burns in a seated position with a dog at his feet.



Close up - Robert Burns

Robert Burns was Scotland's national poet (1759 - 1796). Burns is famous for producing poems that are thought provoking, witty, humorous and romantic. Many of his poems also reflected the keen sense of anger he had at the injustices of his time. Burns' work is still popular today and Burns night is celebrated every year on his birthday (the 25th of January)  in Scotland and around the world with Burns supper.

In the final years of his life, Burns spent his time in a small sandstone house in Burns Street, Dumfries that is currently open as a museum. The house offers a picture of how Burns lived and is a place of visit for people from around the world.




Burns House, Dumfries

A close up shot of the plaques on the front of the house

Up the road form Robert Burns' house, opposite St. Michael's church, is found a statue of the poet's wife, Jean Armour.

Jean Armour Statue

Burns now lies with his wife and five of his nine children in a mausoleum at St. Michael Church's graveyard. Many blue plaques in the graveyard mark the graves of Burns' friends and acquaintances.



Burns' Mausoleum

Note - There is a Robert Burns Centre situated in Dumfries' 18th century watermill on the banks of the River Nith. The centre tells the story of Robert Burns' final years spent in the bustling streets and lively atmosphere of Dumfries in the late 18th century. There, you can find pieces about Burns' life and works, and information that helps in exploring the region's Burns connections.



Robert Burns centre, Dumfries

Sources;

Dumfries Time Traveller: Follow in the footsteps of Burns, Bruce and Barrie through eight centuries of Dumfries history.

J.A. Mackay (1990) - Pictoral History of Dumfries

Fortune P., McMillan H. - Dumfries : A history and celebration