Selected for 10
September
Robert Burns had been born on a farm; he was not to die on one. His move from country to town was typical of the age. The
giving up of the lease on Ellisland and the decision to commit himself to a career as a customs official, marked the end of
an important stage in his life, with implications for his sense of social, economic and cultural identity. The momentous decision
to flit to nearby Dumfries, was made on this day in 1791. The yield of Ellisland could not provide even bare subsistence,
far less 'winter vittle'. 'Robin' was therefore far from certain of his harvest; 'shure in hairst' as the song title puts
it. Which lends poignant irony perhaps to today's choice of text.
Donny O'Rourke
