THE BONNIE LASS OF BALLOCHMYLE: Burns related that, walking out by the woodlands of the River Ayr one perfect spring evening he chanced upon Miss Wilhelmina Alexander, sister of the Laird of Ballochmyle, who was likewise enjoying the evening. Impre
ssed by this vision of beauty, Burns had the verses written in his head by the time he got home.
MY NANNIE, O – THE RIVER STINCHAR: One of Burns's early efforts and a reminder that rivers and river banks often feature in his sentiments. This time the object of these passions was a local farmer's daughter called Agnes Fleming. Sometimes the song has Lugar flowing instead of Stinchar. The Lugar Water was nearer Burns' home territory while the Stinchar has perhaps a more romantic setting, with riverside walks amid the pleasant valley woodlands of South Ayrshire.
LOGAN BRAES – EAST OF CUMNOCK: Logan is a wee place, east of Cumnock in Ayrshire, with its heritage linked to the long-abandoned Ayrshire coalfield. Its name is recalled in this sometimes overlooked gem that reveals Burns the writer of protest songs. A soldier's wife is looking for news of her long departed husband: "O, wae upon you, Men o' State / That brethren rouse in deadly hate!" Its anti-war statement meant the song was not published until 1800, four years after Burns died.
AFTON WATER – NEAR NEW CUMNOCK: "Flow gently sweet Afton among thy green braes", the poet says, then, by way of a clue, "My Mary's asleep by yon murmuring stream". Biographers are uncertain about this Mary, though most think it refers to Highland Mary. Burns always had his regrets about her – what would have happened if they had gone to Jamaica together? Romance, mystery, a whiff scandal and something unfulfilled. The controversy continues.
