Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns

By: Alastair R Turnbull
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  • Summary

  • Did you know that Robert Burns was the first person to feature on a Coca Cola bottle? Or that a book of his poems has orbited the earth 217 times? And he NEVER signed his name as Rabbie? This is a modern and light hearted look at the life and works of Robert Burns; poems explained; myths busted; songs sung and stories told. Listen, laugh, and maybe even learn something new with Alastair Turnbull and guests.
    © 2025 Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns
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Episodes
  • Burns Banter S2 Ep10 - The Ellisland Years

    Burns Banter S2 Ep10 - The Ellisland Years
    Jan 9 2025

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    In this episode Robert has moved from Edinburgh To Ellisland Farm, which is by the banks of the river Nith, about 6 and a half miles north of Dumfries. He has become a farmer again, as well as an Excise Officer.

    How does he do this? it is two FULL TIME occupations. As well as working he is socialising, writing poetry and contributing songs to 'The Scots Musical Museum'. How much energy can one man have?!!!

    Find out which songs and poems he wrote here, what trouble he got himself into and where he goes next....

    P.S. I made one HUGE omission from this episode. I should have mentioned that he worked on the song 'Auld Lang Syne' here...

    Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns
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    30 mins
  • Burns Banter S2 Ep9 - Big Decisions

    Burns Banter S2 Ep9 - Big Decisions
    Dec 20 2024

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    What does Robert Do after the the fame of being a great Poet in Edinburgh and touring around Scotland?

    He has to make some big decisions about his future. In this episode of Burns Banter I look at five things that influence his decisions. They are James Johnson, The Excise, a farm called Ellisland, Agnes Maclehose and Jean Armour.

    This is a confusing time for Robert and not all of his decisions are good ones. Listen to this podcast and learn more about the direction Robert goes. We look at the career he chooses, passions he indulges in and where he starts to settle down.

    Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns
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    19 mins
  • Burns Banter S2 Ep8 - Touring around Scotland

    Burns Banter S2 Ep8 - Touring around Scotland
    Aug 9 2024

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    It is 1787, Robert Burns has published the second edition of his poems, now known as 'The Edinburgh Edition'. He has sold the rights to all of his poems to William Creech and he needs to write some more....

    What does he do?

    He goes on tour around Scotland to get inspiration for new poems and songs. He also wants to introduce himself to the great and good people of Scotland. The Dukes and Duchesses, the captains of industry and the just plain wealthy. He does this as he wants them to buy his books but he also wants to become friends with them, as they can greatly improve his future prospects.

    He also has a few adventures along the way. Find out more in this weeks episode of 'Burns Banter'.

    Burns Banter - A fresh look at Robert Burns
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    44 mins

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Great Introduction

Perfectly pitched short snippets of insightful and entertaining information on Burns accompanied by original and translated versions of hisnsongs and poems.

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