Friars Carse, steel plate engraving

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.