Lochlea

A steel plate engraving of the farm in the parish of Tarbolton leased by Robert Burns' father, William Burnes.   William Burnes took the lease on the farm of Lochlea in 1777 when Robert Burns was 18 years of age. He moved there from Mount Oliphant in the wake of financial difficulties but at Lochlea the family prospered. The young Robert Burns spent the most carefree years of his life here, despite the heavy work and hardships of farming.   During this time his writing skills developed and he began to play a part in the social life of the parish. He joined dancing classes and formed the Tarbolton Bachelors Club. This view of the farm at Lochlea is engraved from a painting by J Ramage and was published in "The National Burns".   "The National Burns", edited by Rev. George Gilfillan was published by William Mackenzie of Glasgow and contained "The airs of all the songs and an original life of Burns by the editor". It was also illustrated throughout, both by engraved plates and within the text. It was published in 15 parts, costing two shillings each making it an affordable way for people to purchase the complete works of Robert Burns.