On the Trail of Robert Burns

John Cairney, an internationally known actor, believes the traditional Burns tourist trail needs to find a new direction. He has created "On the Trail of Robert Burns," a fascinating journey through Scotland to rediscover the national bard as a flesh and blood genius. The trail includes key sites such as Alloway, Tam O' Shanter, Mossgiel, Kilmarnock, Edinburgh, and Dumfries, ending at the Burns mausoleum in St. Michael's churchyard.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2024
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd

John Cairney, a renowned actor with a forty-year career, believes it's time to abandon the traditional Burns tourist trail and embark on a quest to discover the real Robert Burns. He believes that the traditional trail urgently needs a fresh direction. Cairney, internationally recognized as the face of Robert Burns, has a deep understanding of the poet's complex character, having portrayed him on stage numerous times.

In his documentary, "On the Trail of Robert Burns," Cairney showcases his exceptional ability to inhabit the spirit of Burns. This captivating journey through Scotland serves as a rediscovery of Scotland's national bard as a vibrant, flesh-and-blood genius. The documentary outlines five tours, primarily in Scotland, featuring key sites such as Alloway, Burn's birthplace; Tam O' Shanter, inspired by the Alloway Kirk witch stories Burns heard in his childhood; Mossgiel, where Burns penned some of his most memorable poems, including "Holy Willie's Prayer" and "To a Mouse"; Kilmarnock, where the famous Kilmarnock edition of Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect was published in 1786; Edinburgh, where fame and his love for Clarinda embraced him; and Dumfries, where Burns passed away at the age of 37. The trail concludes at the Burns mausoleum in St. Michael's churchyard.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 134 x 211 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913025120