Skip to product information
On the Trail of Robert Burns

On the Trail of Robert Burns

£4.99

It's time to trash Burns the Brand and come on the trail of the real Robert Burns — a flesh and blood genius whose story spans from his birthplace in Alloway to his death in Dumfries.

Follow in the footsteps of Scotland's national bard with an internationally known expert and actor who has lived and breathed Robert Burns on stage for 40 years.


Access Your Content in Seconds

  1. Complete your purchase on our store.
  2. Download The Grey Hill App (free).
  3. Log in using the same email from checkout.
  4. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

All content is securely delivered through our app and not offered as a Shopify download.


About the Ebook

Is there anything new to say about Robert Burns? John Cairney says it's time to trash Burns the Brand and come on the trail of the real Robert Burns. He is the best of travelling companions on the convivial, entertaining journey to the heart of the Burns story. Alloway — Burns' birthplace. Tam O' Shanter draws on the Alloway Kirk witch stories first heard by Burns in his childhood. Mossgiel — Between 1784 and 1786 in a phenomenal burst of creativity, Burns wrote some of his most memorable poems including 'Holy Willie's Prayer' and 'To a Mouse'. Kilmarnock — The famous Kilmarnock edition of Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect published in 1786. Edinburgh — Fame and Clarinda (among others) embraced him. Dumfries — Burns died at the age of 37. The trail ends at the Burns Mausoleum in St Michael's Church graveyard. Internationally known as 'the face of Robert Burns', John Cairney believes that the traditional Burns tourist trail urgently needs to find a new direction. This fascinating journey around Scotland is a rediscovery of Scotland's national bard as a flesh and blood genius.


Why You'll Love This Ebook

  • Written by an internationally recognised Burns expert who has portrayed the poet on stage for 40 years.
  • A fresh perspective on Burns the man — not the myth or the brand, but the real genius behind the poetry.
  • Visit all the key locations from his birthplace in Alloway to his final resting place in Dumfries.
  • Perfect for Burns enthusiasts and Scottish heritage lovers seeking authentic insight into Scotland's national bard.

About the Author

John Cairney is internationally known as 'the face of Robert Burns'. His one-man shows about Scotland's national bard have been popular for over forty years. John lives in New Zealand but receives invitations to speak at Burns events around the world. He is a seasoned actor and scholar of Burns's life and work.


Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 9 May 2024

Print Length: 190 pages

ISBN (Ebook): 9781804252154

Format: Ebook

Language: English


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can't see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and their ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.

You may also like