Letter of Robert Burns to William Nicol, 1787.
Although famed for his poetry in Scots, this is Robert Burns's only surviving letter written in Scots.
While Burns was in Edinburgh from 1786 until 1787 to promote his poetry and enjoy his new found fame, he met schoolmaster, William Nicol (1744-1797).
They became friends and Nicol even accompanied Burns on his Highland tour.
Although they remained friends until Burns's death in 1796, Nicol was known for his bad temper, which was evident while they toured.
Before this, Burns went on a tour of the Borders where he wrote this letter to Nicol of his experiences. Burns visited the area on a horse named Jenny Geddes, whom he also rode on the Highland tour.
[Library reference MS.87, f.8]
