Podcast

Burns Banter

Burns Banter is a podcast that takes a fresh look at the life and works of Robert Burns.

Series 1 takes a look at individual poems. I talk about the poem, the people in it, their relationship to Robert, whats happening at the time, give a modern English translation, (as the original language can be difficult to understand), and bring the poem to life.

Series 2 takes a look at Roberts life. I work my way through from his birth to his death, showing his hardships and triumphs. I show his excellent poetry, his wealth of songs and a lot of questionable life choices.

Series 3 is being developed as we speak! and will be with you shortly. It will be more informal, with me chatting to people about Robert Burns. I’ll be finding out what their favourite poems are and why they like them so much - We’ll also listen to their favourite songs and hopefully have a laugh along the way.

All episodes from Series 1 & 2 are available below - or you can download them from your preferred podcast provider.

Burns Banter S2 Ep12 Robert Burns Death

In this episode we look at the last few years of Robert Burns life, his death., and what happened after that.

Where did he die? What caused his death? . We look at what was happening in his personal life, is he is he happy? is his work as an excise officer going well? We look at the last poems and songs he wrote and collected, were any of them of note? We also look at what happened in the days and months after his death. If you want to find out about the life and death of Robert Burns, then listen to this, last episode, of Burns Banter, series two.

Don't worry series three, which will be more informal, is on the way. I'll be interviewing people about their connection to Burns, singing songs, telling stories…

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Burns Banter S2 Ep11 Dumfries

In this episode Robert leaves Ellisland farm and moves to Dumfries.

We look at his work as an excise officer and a famous incident involving Robert attacking a smugglers Schooner on the Solway Firth. I also look at Roberts visit to Edinburgh to see two women, for very different reasons. We also talk about a man called George Thomson and the influence he had on Robert.

There is lots going on in this episode, dive right in and enjoy!

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Burns Banter S2 Ep10 The Ellisland Years

In this episode Robert has moved from Edinburgh To Ellisland Farm, which is by the banks of the river Nith, about 6 and a half miles north of Dumfries. He has become a farmer again, as well as an Excise Officer.

How does he do this? it is two FULL TIME occupations. As well as working he is socialising, writing poetry and contributing songs to 'The Scots Musical Museum'. How much energy can one man have?! Find out which songs and poems he wrote here, what trouble he got himself into and where he goes next....

P.S. I made one HUGE omission from this episode. I should have mentioned that he worked on the song 'Auld Lang Syne' here..

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Burns Banter S2 Ep9 Big Decisions

What does Robert do after the the fame of being a great Poet in Edinburgh and touring around Scotland? He has to make some big decisions about his future. In this episode of Burns Banter I look at five things that influence his decisions. They are James Johnson, The Excise, a farm called Ellisland, Agnes Maclehose and Jean Armour.

This is a confusing time for Robert and not all of his decisions are good ones. Listen to this podcast and learn more about the direction Robert goes. We look at the career he chooses, passions he indulges in and where he starts to settle down.

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Burns Banter S2 Ep8 Touring Around Scotland

It is 1787, Robert Burns has published the second edition of his poems, now known as 'The Edinburgh Edition'. He has sold the rights to all of his poems to William Creech and he needs to write some more. What does he do?

He goes on tour around Scotland to get inspiration for new poems and songs. He also wants to introduce himself to the great and good people of Scotland. The Dukes and Duchesses, the captains of industry and the just plain wealthy. He does this as he wants them to buy his books but he also wants to become friends with them, as they can greatly improve his future prospects.

He also has a few adventures along the way. Find out more in this weeks episode of 'Burns Banter'.

Burns Banter S2 Ep7 The Edinburgh Edition

In this episode I talk about Robert Burns journey to Edinburgh to produce a second volume of his book 'Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect'. I also talk about the reception he received when he arrived in Edinburgh, how he published the book, the people he met and other things he did in his time there.

This is Robert at the hight of his poetical fame, meeting the great and good of Scottish society. Earning money, creating friendships, enjoying life to the full. This is the period in Roberts life that most people talk about and associate him with, i.e. this is one of the few the really good times in Roberts life.

How long does it last? Find out in next weeks episode..

Burns Banter S2 Ep6 Burns Banter - Live! Edinburgh Fringe 2024

In this Episode I talk about my up coming shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Yes, I'm taking Burns Banter to Edinburgh and will be performing upstairs in The Pear Tree. The venue is called The Counting House and the room is called The Attic. I'm on from the 16th to the 25th, (not the 24th), 10.30am till 11.30am each day. The show is called 'Burns Banter Live' and is basically an hour long episode of this podcast with extra stories, songs, quizzes and even a few jokes. Yes, jokes about Robert Burns - I'd love to see you there! It's a free show, you can't book tickets, just turn up early on the day as its first come first served. I can't wait!

Burns Banter S2 Ep5 Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect The Kilmarnock Edition

In this episode we look at how, why and when Robert published his book, Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect.

We look at the problems he had to overcome before John Wilson agreed to publish the book. We look at the poems and songs in the book, such as, Twa Dogs, A Tale - The Cotters Saturday Night, To a mouse and Composed in August. We see how the public reaction to the book affected him and the direction his life was taking. Specifically we look at his decision not to go to Jamacia and the reasons why he stayed in Scotland. We end the episode by reciting the poem Composed in August, also known as Now Westlin Winds and Slaughtering Guns.

Burns Banter S2 Ep4 Mossgiel, Women & a Book

In this episode we look briefly at Robert's father, William - Then a Farm called Mossgiel, Roberts turbulent private life and a book called 'Poem Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect'.

This is a wild and unpredictable time in Roberts life, (roughly 1784 - 1786). His father passes away in 1784, they need to move to a new farm, Mossgiel, and as Robert is the eldest son, he is now the head of the family. This responsibility does not sit well on his shoulders and he needs a lot of help from his brother Gilbert. At this point in his life he is very interested in women and we talk about four in particular. Elizabeth Paton, Helen Miller, Jean Armour and Mary Campbell, (Known as 'Highland Mary' - even although her real name was actually Margret!). Robert is now in a bit of trouble and decides to emigrate to Jamaica..

Burns Banter S2 Ep3 Lochlea, Tarbolton & Irvine

In this episode we see the Burns family move to a new farm, Lochlie.

Is it better than Mount Oliphant? How well / badly do they do there? At this point in Roberts life he is in his late teens and is starting to try and move away from farming. He is also spreading his wings socially with country dancing lessons and the formation of the Tarbolton Bachelors Club. Robert also moves to Irvine and tries a new business venture, Flax dressing. What is flax dressing? How successful is this new business? Lastly, we take a look at the poetry Robert is writing at this time. Is it good? Bad? Indifferent? Getting better?....

Burns Banter S2 Ep2 Mount Oliphant & Roberts first poems

In this episode we look at Roberts life from age 7.

We look at his education, the schools and tutors he had. We look at the farm that Roberts Father moved the family to, (Mount Oliphant), and whether it was a good decision. We also look at Roberts health during this period of his life, which was affected by the amount of work he was doing on the farm and the food they were limited to. Then we look at Roberts first poems - what were they about? Why did he start writing?...

Burns Banter S2 Ep1 Robert Burns Birth & Early Life

In Series two of Burns Banter I am taking a look at the life of Robert Burns. Each episode will look at one part of Robert's Life - as this is episode one, I am looking at the Birth Of Robert Burns. I also take a look at William Burnes, (Robert's Father), and Agnes Broun, (Robert's Mother). where did they come from, what were they like, what influence did they have on Robert? I look briefly at what was happening in Scotland at the time - all of these aspects helped to make Robert into the man we know today. Unfortunately there are no songs or poems in this episode. This is due to the fact that the episode finishes when Robert is only seven years old, he hasn't written anything yet. Check out episode two for Robert's first poem....,

Burns Banter - Series 2

Burns Banter S1 Ep21 The Rights of Women

The Rights of Women was written by Robert Burns in 1792.

Back in the days of Burns women didn't have many rights. The subject of women's rights was highly unpopular and very rarely talked about. Robert is being a bit of a rebel writing this poem, but he did love women and he was in favour of women's rights. It was written for a specific benefit night which was held at the Dumfries theatre on the 26th of November 1792. The benefit night was hosted by an actress called 'Louisa Fontenelle',

Burns Banter S1 Ep20 Address to the Toothache

Address to the Toothache, written in 1786.

In the late 1700's dentistry didn't really exist. If you got the toothache you had to just deal with the pain, there was no pain relief. If things got really bad you would have to find someone willing to pull your teeth out. Probably a barber / surgeon.

Robert put all of his pain into this poem. You can almost feel the pain and misery of the ongoing toothache as you make your way through the verses. Enjoy!

Burns Banter S1 Ep19 Robert Burns Quiz in Sweden

This week I am working in Stockholm.

I managed to get two English colleagues, Jim and Ru, to take part in a Burns quiz. The quiz is made up of two rounds of 10 questions, with the second 10 having a very Swedish twist. This was filmed in the Quality Hotel Globe in Stockholm after an afternoon spent wandering around the old town and having a few beers. I hope you enjoy it, join in, and get a better score than Jim and Ru.
Cheers!

Burns Banter S1 Ep18 My love is like a red red rose

My love is like a red red rose is a beautiful love song written by Robert Burns around 1792.

Robert said that it was an old Scots song that he had collected in the country. I believe it may well have been old, but Robert must have rewritten it. I believe this as it has very modern language which includes the concept of geological time, which was practically unheard of at the time. This may have come from Roberts friendship with James Hutton, who was a pioneer in this field.

It was first published in 1794 by Pietro Urbani in his work, Scots Songs, although it had a different tune to the one we know today. Pietro was a singer composer from Milan that Robert met in 1793. The song we sing today, with the tune we know today, (called low down in the broom), was first put together by a Paisley composer / editor called Robert Archibald Smith in 1821. The publication was called 'Scottish Minstrel'. My love is like a red red rose is a beautiful song, check out some versions of it on youtube. It's well worth it.

Burns Banter S1 Ep17 To a Louse

To a Louse is a poem written by Robert Burns in 1786. It is set in the church at Mauchline during a Sunday Service. At first glance the poem is about a head lice, but, it is in fact about perception and the social classes.
Robert is Sitting in Church and sees a head lice on a very prim and proper lady. He can't believe the impudence of the head lice and says it should have chosen someone else to be upon. Someone like a tramp or a ragged boy. However he goes on to say that according to the head lice we are all the same.
At the end of the poem Robert says that it would be a great gift if we could see ourselves as other people see us, it would from many blunders free us, and foolish notions. Very true...

Burns Banter S1 Ep16 Holy Willie’s Prayer

Holy Willie's Prayer is a fabulous satirical poem. It's one of the best satirical poems ever written in the Scots tongue. It is all about the hypocrisy of the Church, and one person in particular.
Willie Fisher was an elder of the kirk in Mauchline, and spied on people and then told the Church to punish them for their sins. He took a dislike to Gavin Hamilton and a feud started. This resulted in a court case which angered Robert Burns, who went on to use this incident as the basis for this poem. Gavin won the court case, with the help of another lawyer, Robert Aitken.
The poem that this incident inspired is a work of art, and is performed at many Burns Suppers the world over.

Burns Banter S1 Ep15 What is a Burns Supper?

What is a Burns Supper?
I look at the classic Scottish Celebration, The Burns Supper. I ask what is is all about?, when did it start? and why should I go to one? For the answers to these questions listen to this episode!
Also, if you like Scotland, interesting food, (Haggis), enjoy a drink, and like a sing along - you will love a Burns Supper!!

Burns Banter S1 Ep14 Robert Burns Music with Guests ‘Garbh Uisge’

In this episode of Burns Banter we play some of Robert Burns songs and tunes. I have guests! on this weeks show we have the band 'Garbh Uisge'. We chat about songs such as 'A Fond Kiss', 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Green Grow the Rashes'. Garbh Uisge treat us to some live performances and unfortunately I also sing.
We hear some great burns waltz's and fast reels, talk about the stories behind the songs and generally have a good time. Tune in, listen and maybe even sing along with us ... Slange Var!

Burns Banter S1 Ep13 Willie Wastle

Willie Wastle, also known as 'Sic a wife Willie had' as a grotesquely funny poem / song about how unbelievably ugly Willie's wife is. Robert Burns wrote this poem in 1792 and he goes into comically hideous detail about this poor woman's appearance.
The actual reason, or inspiration behind Robert Burns writing 'Willie Wastle' has been lost to history, but two different thoughts remain. One is that it is cover for some political rant about an incident or argument that has been long forgotten. The other thought is its actually about a specific woman. If it is about a specific woman then she probably annoyed or angered Robert in some way and he has repaid that anger by ripping her apart in verse.
Listen to this episode, hear the description of this unfortunate woman, (I explain all the Scots words so its easy to understand), and decide for yourself what the poem is actually about... Slange Var !

Burns Banter S1 Ep12 Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne is Robert Burns most famous song, and the second most sung song in the English language. Yet, most people have no idea what it means, or where it came from.
In this episode I tell you where the lyrics for Auld Lang Syne came from, where the famous tune came from, and what the song is actually about! I explain all the difficult Scottish words so that you can finally understand this song that you have been singing for years. listen to this episode and never be confused again whilst singing Auld Lang Syne. I also explain why it is so popular.....

PLEASE NOTE: I say in this episode that George Thomson published 'The Scots Musical Museum' , this is wrong, he published 'Select Scottish Airs', which Burns contributed heavily to. It was James Johnson who published 'The Scots Musical Museum'. He produced six volumes between 1787 and 1803. Robert Burns was the main contributor and virtual editor of the volumes until his death in 1796. Stephen Clarke was the musical editor.

Burns Banter S1 Ep11 A tour around Burns sites in Ayrshire

WARNING!! This episode is better watched as a video.
https://youtu.be/i9RZ_t_JWQU?si=ksa_zMSxzDf44bu3

In this episode I go on a whistle stop tour of Robert Burns sites in Ayrshire. These include: the house Robert was born in, The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the auld Alloway kirk, the Brig O' Doon, the Tarbolton bachelors club, Poosie Nansies Pub and Mossgiel Farm.
Poosie Nansies pub, and the characters that drank there, was the inspiration behind the epic Burns cantata 'The Jolly Beggars'. I was inspired by the place and recited 'Willie Wastles Wife'. The Auld Alloway kirk is where, in the poem Tam O' Shanter, Tam saw the witches and the devil dancing. Mossgiel farm is where Robert wrote a huge amount of his poems, this is where he wrote 'to a mouse'. I recite the poem in front of the field where Robert went through the mouses nest with his plough.

Burns Banter S1 Ep10 A tour around Burns sites in Dumfries

WARNING !! - This Episode is probably better watched as a video.
https://youtu.be/tXES21N-T9w?si=Lb5yL70GKXPYteFm

In this episode I travel to Dumfries and go on a whistle stop tour of the places Robert Burns lived, worked and socialised. Theses places include Robert Burns Grave, Robert Burns House, The Globe Inn and Ellisland Farm.

I recite the poem 'My Love is like a Red Red Rose' in the very room that it was written in. I have the absolute pleasure of sitting in 'The Poets Chair' (THE chair Robert sat on and recited poetry in the Globe Inn) and I finish this episode with a visit to Ellisland Farm, where Robert wrote Tam O Shanter, The Wounded Hare, To Mary in Heaven and Auld Lang Syne. If you want to see / hear about the places around Dumfries that influenced Robert Burns, then this is the episode for you!

Burns Banter S1 Ep9 The Selkirk Grace

The Selkirk Grace is a well known and well used grace. It is used not only at Burns Suppers but at family gatherings, weddings, funerals, birthdays, etc... What is the Selkirk Grace? did Robert Burns write it? Listen to this episode to find out about this grace and its history. You will also hear about a few other grace's that Robert wrote and used.

Listen, laugh, and possibly even learn with Alastair Turnbull and Burns Banter.

Burns Banter S1 Ep8 Willie Brew’d a Peck O’ Maut

'Willie Brew'd a Peck O' Maut' is one of Robert Burns best drinking songs.

It was written by Robert Burns in August / September 1789 whilst staying with Willie Nicol at his lodgings just outside Moffat. Allan Masterton was also there and he wrote the music. This all happened over a few days during a 'Lads weekend' together. It is just a whole lot of fun rolled up in some great lyrics and sung to a joyous tune.

Enjoy!

Burns Banter S1 Ep7 Address to a Haggis

The 'Address to a Haggis' is one of the most recited pieces that Robert Burns ever created.
It is a major part of every Burns Supper the world over, but sadly, very few people understand what is being said. Thankfully this episode of Burns Banter bursts through the old Scots language and explains whats going on in the Address. The language is explained, the images are made clear and I even tell you when and where the poem is believed to have been written. If you want to finally understand what is going on in 'Address to a Haggis' then this is the episode for you!

Download it, listen to it, and you'll be ready for your next Burns Supper - Enjoy!

Burns Banter S1 Ep6 To William Stewart

'To William Stewart' is a poem about a hangover.

We have all at one time or another taken too much alcohol during a night out and suffered the inevitable hangover. But unlike us, who just sit there and endure the pain of the hangover, Robert Burns wrote a poem about it and sent it to his friend William Stewart. It was never meant to be published, it was just a bit of fun between two good friends. Luckily for us the poem was saved and we can enjoy it today. It was written in 1789 in the Brownhill Inn, which was Roberts local pub when he lived at Ellisland Farm.

Burns Banter S1 Ep5 My Heart is in theHighlands

Burns Banter episode 5 is all about the poem / song 'My Heart is in the Highlands'. This poem was written by Robert Burns in 1789 and shows his love of the Highlands of Scotland.

Its an easy poem to read and understand, so if you have to recite a poem at a Burns Night then this might be the one for you!

Burns Banter S1 Ep4 The Birks Of Aberfeldy

What is a Birk? Where is Aberfeldy? and what was Robert Burns doing there?

The answers to all of these questions, and more, is in this episode of Burns Banter.

We look at the poem / song The Birks o' Aberfeldy, which was written in 1757 during Robert Burns tour of Scotland. We also look at the lasting effect this poem has had on the area of Aberfeldy.

Burns Banter S1 Ep3 Ae Fond Kiss

A fond kiss is one of Robert Burns best known love songs.

Why did Robert Burns write this song? who are the people in the song? why are they being forced apart? To find out the answers to these questions check out this episode 3 of Burns Banter, which is all about the story behind the song 'A Fond Kiss'. In this episode I read the original version of Ae fond Kiss ,(which includes a lot of old Scottish words), I also read a modern english version - which helps to you to get past the old Scots words and finally understand what is actually being said. I also give some information on what happened to the people in the song...

Burns Banter S1 Ep2 Rigs O’ Barley

In this first ever episode of Burns Banter we look at Robert Burns first ever poem. What was it? who or what is it about? and the BIG question, why did he start writing poetry? What inspired him ?

The answers to these questions, (and many more), are waiting for you, check it out...

Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns

Burns Banter S1 Ep1 Robert’s first ever poem