Robert Burns and the Eglinton Estate
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During the years 1781–1782, at the age of 23, Robert Burns (1759–1796) lived in Irvine, North Ayrshire for a period of around 9 months,[1][2] whilst learning the craft of flax-dressing from Alexander Peacock, who may have been his mother's half-brother, working at the heckling shop in the Glasgow Vennel.[3] Dr John Cumming of Milgarholm, a provost of Irvine, claimed that he had invited Burns to come to Irvine to learn flax dressing.[4] During this time he made a number of acquaintances, befriended several locals and took regular walks into the Eglinton Woods via the old Irvine to Kilwinning toll road and the Drukken or Drucken (Drunken) Steps.[5] Steps over the Red Burn and back via the site of Saint Brides or Bryde's Well at Stanecastle.[6] Burns had several other connections with the Eglinton Estate and other branches of the Montgomerie family. He probably left in March 1782.[7]