A NEW storytelling experience is set to launch in Dumfries, shining a spotlight on Jean Armour Burns — wife of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.
The tour, entitled Bonnie Jean and The Bard, launches on September 3 and aims to explore her life and the profound relationships she shared with her husband, children, friends and acquaintances.
‘Jean’ herself will be portrayed by dramatic storyteller Mary Wood, who will offer an alternative perspective on Burns and the visit will take in key locations in Dumfries, where she experienced some of her most affecting life events.
It will stop at the historic Globe Inn, where resident storyteller Kathleen Cronie will play a part. She 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.”
Talking about her new role as Jean, Mary added: “I feel excited and honoured to be taking on the role of such a strong and inspiring woman. 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 from a different perspective, that of the woman who loved him most.”
Jean was born in Mauchline in February 1765, the eldest daughter in a family of 11. 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. 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.
The tour is a collaboration between Mostly Ghostly and The Globe and Kathleen added: “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.”
