Friars Carse, Dumfries-shire

A steel plate engraving from a drawing by Alexander Reid of the mansion house built by Captain Robert Riddell.   Robert Burns' neighbour at Ellisland was Robert Riddell of Friar's Carse, a country estate upstream from the farm. Immediately recognising Burns' talent, Riddell offered him the use of a summer house on the estate in which to meditate and write, away from the demands of the farm.   It was here that Burns composed the poem beginning, "Thou whom chance may hither lead" as a tribute to Robert Riddell and their growing friendship. They collaborated on several songs with Riddell supplying the airs for Burns lyrics. He was a collector of traditional Scottish music, a passion which he shared with the poet.   The mansion house was built in 1774 on the site of the mediaeval monastery which had occupied the estate. Robert Burns was a frequent visitor there and wrote several poems in honour of his host. This engraving is made from a drawing by the artist, Alexander Reid who also painted a miniature portrait of the poet.