Alloway, Scotland

Alloway is situated a little to the south of Ayr and is famous as the birthplace, on January 25th, 1759, of Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet. The cottage in which he was born has been preserved, and adjoining it is the Burns museum, housing various personal relics. The poet’s father is buried in front of the roofless haunted” Alloway Kirk, and across the street stands the Burns Monument, containing, among other objects, Bibles belonging to Burns and his “Highland Mary.” Spanning the River Doon, in a delightful setting, is the well-known “Auld Brig,” associated with Tam o’ Shanter, and dating back perhaps to the 13th century. Brown Carrick Hill, to the south-west, is a notable viewpoint.

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