Gilbert Burns (farmer)
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Gilbert Burns (1760–1827), the younger brother of Robert Burns the poet, was born at Alloway. He married Jean Breckenridge in 1791, had six sons and five daughters, died in 1827, aged 66, and was buried at Bolton, East Lothian, Scotland. Gilbert's writings have contributed greatly to the bank of knowledge that exists regarding the life of his famous brother.
Gilbert Burns's signature
Bolton Church
Craigie Church, where Gilbert and Jean were married in 1791
Robert Burns
William Burnes
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William Burnes or William Burness was the father of the poet Robert Burns. He was born at either Upper Kinmonth or Clochnahill Farm, Dunnottar, Kincardineshire, and trained as a gardener at Inverugie Castle, Aberdeenshire, before moving to Ayrshire and becoming a tenant farmer. His parents were Robert Burnes and Isabella Keith. He retained the spelling 'Burnes' throughout his life; however, his son favoured the Ayrshire spelling of 'Burns'.
William Burnes' grave in Alloway Kirk
Burns Cottage, built by William Burnes at Alloway.
The kirk ruins and William Burnes's grave
Alloway Auld Kirk at the time of Robert Burns, from The Antiquities of Scotland by Francis Grose.