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Robert Burns and his connection
to Tillicoultry
Robert Burns and his friend,
Adair visited Harviestoun, in the parish of Tillicoultry in 1787. At
this point Mrs and Miss Hamilton, the mother and sister of Gavin Hamilton
of Mauchline in Ayrshire were also staying there. Together they all
visited areas of beauty along the banks of the Devon. While staying
at Harviestoun Burns wrote 2 poems, "The Banks of the Devon"
and "Fairest Maid on Devon Bank". Burns fell for the charm
and beauty of Charlotte Hamilton but she was more attracted to Burns'
friend, Adair whom she later married
Fairest Maid on Devon Banks
(Tune : Rothiermurchie)
Chorus : Fairest Maid
on Devon Banks,
Crystal Devon, winding Devon,
Wilt thou lay that frown aside
And smile as thou were wont to do?
Full well thou know'st I love
thee dear
Could thou to malice lend an ear?
O did not Love exclaim, "Forbear,
Nor use a faithful lover so"
Chorus
Then come, thou fairest of the
fair,
Those wonted smiles, O let me share;
And by thy beauteous self I swear,
No love but thine my heart shall know.
Chorus
The Banks of the Devon
How pleasant the banks of the
clear winding Devon,
With green spreading bushes and flow'rs blooming fair!
But the bonniest flow'r on the banks of the Devon
Was once a sweet bud on the braes of the Ayr.
Mild be the sun on this sweet blushing flower,
In the gay rosy morn, as it bathes in the dew
And gently the fall of the soft vernal shower,
That steals on the evening each leaf to renew!
O spare the dear blossom, ye
orient breezes,
With chill hoary wing as ye usher the dawn;
And far be thou distant, thou reptile that seizes
The verdure and pride of the garden or lawn!
Let Bourbon exalt in his gay gilded lilies,
And England triumphant display her proud rose:
A fairer than either adorns the green valleys,
Where Devon, sweet Devon, meandering flows
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