A unique combination of stunning murals with dramatic commentary takes you back into the 18th century as you hear the story of Robert Burns in Irvine in 1781-82.

For the full story, click for the audio-visual text.
Also see our page about the flax trade and Robert Burns

Irvine was where Robert Burns, aged 22, to quote his own words, "learned something of town life". In this busy seaport, he made many friends, especially Captain Richard Brown, the man who first suggested that he should publish his poetry - he later recalled in a letter to Brown: "you wondered that I could resist the temptation of sending verses of such merit to a magazine".

The Burns Room murals were painted by Edward and Elizabeth Odling in 1965, and are enhanced by an up-to-date sound and light system. Irvine Burns Club museum is regularly open to the public; admission free.

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