Written in Friars’ Carse Hermitage
Robert Burns, June 1788
Recited by Kathryn Wilson
Burns took up residence at Ellisland on 13th June 1788 and may have been introduced to Robert Riddell of Glenriddell by his landlord, Patrick Miller of Dalswinton. Within two weeks, he was composing verses in the summer-house on Riddell’s estate, to which he was given a key. Burns would wander North along the Banks of the Nith to reach Friars’ Carse Hermitage. This poem was the first of several Burns wrote inspired by his friendship between Burns and Riddell.
This poem is one of five works recited and recorded by Gold and Silver medallists in the Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association Schools Competition 2026 to create the Ellisland Poetry Trail. Follow the trail, scan and listen to explore more of Burns’s writing from his time at Ellisland as brought to life by Dumfries and Galloway’s finest young performers.
Special thanks to OASIS Youthwork and the Holywood Trust who supported this project.