Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

River Doon and Brig O'Doon, Alloway

This evening, I am focusing on the charming village of Alloway which is located close to Ayr, south of Glasgow. Alloway is synonymous with Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, who was born here on Jan 25th 1759 in a two roomed thatched cottage built in 1757 by his father, William. This building still exists ( see image below) and has been transformed into a visitor attraction reflecting the style of the late 18th century. Effectively, Alloway is now a Burns ‘shrine’ featuring the birthplace, Auld Kirk, Burns Monument, Birthplace Museum and the Brig O’ Doon all of which are featured below.

Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is one of the interior rooms of Burns Cottage. This building is now owned/managed by Scotland’s National Trust and has been re-named as Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. The garden at rear of the cottage is managed along the lines consistent with the the 18th century.

Inside Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is the ruined Aul Kirk, setting for the enormously popular poem “Tam O’Shanter”.

Auld Kirk, Alloway, Ayrshire

The graveyard at the Auld Kirk contains the grave of William Burnes, the Poet’s father. ( Spelling is correct. Robert’s father changed his name from Burnes to Burns.)

Burns Gravemarker, Alloway Auld Kirk, Ayrshire

Here is the Grecian style Burns Monument which dates from 1823. Inside is a small museum. The Monument offers a good vantage point to view the nearby Brig O’Doon.

Burns Memorial, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is the Auld Brig O’Doon  ( Old Bridge over River Doon). This bridge was made famous as the setting for Tam O’Shanter’s mare Meg losing her tail to the witch Nannie. 

Brig O'Doon, Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is one of the characters from a Burns’ poem.

Cowrin Tim'rous Beastie with friends at Alloway, Ayrshire

Here is the Ayr Pipe Band  in full flow outside the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum at Alloway.