A new storytelling experience is set to launch in Dumfries, shining a spotlight on one of Scotland’s most remarkable and memorable women – Jean Armour Burns – wife of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.
The tour, entitled Bonnie Jean and The Bard, sees an exciting collaboration between award-winning storytellers and tour guides Mostly Ghostly and the historic Globe Inn in Dumfries, beloved haunt of Robert Burns.
The new tour, which launches on Tuesday 3rd September, aims to explore Jean’s life and the profound relationships she shared with her husband, dear children, friends and acquaintances, delving into the many rich layers of her story. Guests will have the chance to meet ‘Jean’, portrayed by popular dramatic storyteller Mary Wood, and through her eyes, discover an alternative perspective on Burns. Accompanied by team members Kathleen Cronie, John Hill and Kenny Murray, Jean will guide guests on an historical meander around key locations in Dumfries, where she experienced some of her most affecting life events.
From there, guests will be welcomed to the legendary Globe Inn, dating all the way back to 1610, where Kathleen, in her role of Resident Storyteller and Tour Guide, will present a special tour of Robert Burns’ favourite howff, exploring the rooms so fondly familiar during his time in Dumfries. Featuring contributions from the Mostly Ghostly team, guests will discover why The Globe meant so much to Burns, and have the opportunity to sit in the poet’s chair, step into his bedroom and soak up the centuries of character and atmosphere that make The Globe truly unique.
Mostly Ghostly Founder and Resident Storyteller at The Globe Inn, Kathleen Cronie said:
“Jean was an inspiring and intriguing woman, and we feel passionately about bringing her story to the fore and encouraging more people to learn about her life; the challenges and celebrations, the hardships and heartache, from the woman who really did stand by her man, with an unflinching loyalty and a strength that burned brightly. Bonnie Jean and The Bard will explore, with sensitivity, her role as a mother, and the tragic loss of six of her children, the impact of Burns infidelities, and ultimately, the joy they shared and moments of their lives that made it all worthwhile.”
The date of the tour launch also has significance, as Kathleen goes on to explain:
“We chose the 3rd September, as it was on that day in 1786, that Jean and Robert had their first children together, becoming parents to twins, also named Jean and Robert. Tragically, wee Jean died in infancy, while Robert lived into his seventies.”
Mostly Ghostly Storyteller Mary Wood, has a wealth of experience taking on historical figures from our local history including Elizabeth Crichton, Founder of the Crichton Hospital, and Lady Marion Carruthers of Comlongon Castle, and is much-loved for her theatrical flair and passion. Sharing her enthusiasm, Mary talks about her new role as Jean:
“I feel excited and honoured to be taking on the role of such a strong and inspiring woman, and enjoy the dramatic aspect of my work. I’m keen to bring Jean’s story to new audiences and invite them into her world, offering an intimate glimpse into Jean’s life, and also to view her husband, Robert Burns, from a different perspective, that of the woman who loved him most.
Jean was born in Mauchline in February 1765 and was the eldest daughter in a family of eleven. She shared a strong bond with her father, James, but a deep rift grew between them, resulting from her love affair with Burns. After a tempestuous start to Jean and Robert’s relationship which witnessed irregular marriage, the birth of twins, estrangement from Jean’s family and near destitution, the couple reconciled and made plans to move to Dumfries and Galloway, after Burns signed a long-term lease on Ellisland Farm. Tragically, they were to suffer another bereavement when their second set of twins – two girls – died unnamed in the March of 1788, The couple eventually moved into Ellisland, ready to start their new life together in April 1789, and with their marriage becoming official, Jean and Robert’s relationship was stronger than ever.
Sharing his enthusiasm for the new partnership, Marketing Manager with The Globe Inn Lee Medd said:
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with our friends from Mostly Ghostly on Bonnie Jean and The Bard, and following a tour focused on the captivating story of Jean Armour, we look forward to hosting guests at The Globe Inn where they will gain a keen sense of Robert Burns’ character in the place where he lived, loved and entertained.”
To conclude, Kathleen said:
“I can see great potential for the tour, and in partnership with a wider Burns Tourism movement in Dumfries, there are fantastic opportunities to draw people to our region to explore the rich Burns-related offering. We feel strongly that Jean’s story needs to be elevated; she was a pivotal, vibrant and constant force in the life of Robert Burns; his lover, muse, life partner and a kind, selfless mother who has sometimes been portrayed unfairly. We’re keen to celebrate Jean and her enduring legacy, and hope to welcome many guests along to hear her story.”
• Tour launches on Tuesday 3rd September at 7pm – meet at Jean Armour’s Statue, Brooms Road, Dumfries. Book Tickets HERE
