Robert Burns (1759-1796)

Category: Statue

Robert Burns (1759-1796)

This statue of Scotland's most famous poet, to the east of Watt's statue, was unveiled in 1877 in front of a huge crowd of 30,000 people. It was made by the sculptor G E Ewing and was cast by Cox & Sons Founders, London. The money for the statue was raised by public subscription, with 40,000 ordinary people donating a shilling each to commemorate "The Bard". The statue shows Burns standing by a tree stump with his bonnet in his right hand and a pen in his left. Burns began life as a farmer before finding success with his poetry. Eventually he became an excise man, and finally fought against the French just before his death. He is seen wearing the ordinary clothes of his time, including breeches, stockings and a waistcoat and jacket. On the plinth of the statue are bas-relief scenes from some of BurnsÕ most famous poems. They were made by J A Ewing, G E Ewing's brother. On the north face is a scene from "The Twa Dogs", facing west is a scene from "The Cottars Saturday Night", and on the east face is a chaotic image of the coven of witches seen by "Tam O' Shanter", featuring the Devil himself playing bagpipes and the terrified Tam on his grey mare Meg.