A series of captivating tours and storytelling events are planned to celebrate the history of Dumfries’s oldest Inn and the favourite haunt of Scotland’s National Bard – Robert Burns. Led by award-winning storyteller and founder of Mostly Ghostly, Kathleen Cronie, the Globe Inn’s new resident storyteller and tour guide is eager to welcome visitors to the historic Globe Inn, which dates to 1610.
Absorbed in the cosy ambience of wood-panelled walls, guests will explore intimate rooms within the centuries-old Globe Inn, where Robert Burns lived, loved and held court. Kathleen will expertly guide visitors, offering a glimpse into the life and times of Burns within this special setting.
“I’m thrilled at the prospect of welcoming guests to The Globe Inn,” Kathleen remarked, “I aim to shine a spotlight on its most famous resident, Robert Burns, whose presence here is always close at hand. From unique window engravings to the chair where he held court, contemporary artwork inspired by his poetry, and authentic items once owned by the Bard himself – a sensory experience awaits.”
Lee Medd, Marketing Manager at The Globe Inn said “Kathleen’s passion for sharing stories shines through, The Globe is the perfect place for storytelling, celebrating the lives and traditions of those who have gone before. Given the enduring interest in the life and works of Robert Burns, it’s great to have Kathleen as our Resident Storyteller. I couldn’t think of anyone better to share the history of this historic building, where Robert Burns spent so much of his time.”
Kathleen enthused, “It’s been a pleasure to welcome my first guests. Seeing their reactions as they explore the evocative environs of The Globe Inn is especially poignant. They truly enjoy the stories from its past and embrace the opportunity to sit in the hallowed Bard’s chair. It’s wonderful to see them adding their personal stories to the long legacy of reciting Burns’ poetry in his favourite howff.”
In addition to the Classic Burns Tour which runs three-days a week, Kathleen has also created a captivating new tour. “Rabbie, Tam and Ghosts of The Globe Inn,” runs every month and reveals a collection of curious stories. Guests will immerse themselves in the tale of Tam O’ Shanter, Robert Burns’ supernatural masterpiece, and discover the local connections that may have inspired it. They will see poetic verses scribed on the windowpane by Burns’ hand and hear tales from his time in Dumfries, woven between fascinating, and perhaps slightly ghostly, aspects of the town’s history.
Drawing on her extensive research, Kathleen will weave together events from old Dumfries with glimpses into the lives of intriguing characters who helped shape The Globe’s remarkable story. Guests will view authentic items owned by the Bard himself and step into his atmospheric bedroom, where he consummated his relationship with Anna Park.
Kathleen describes it perfectly: “Perhaps Burns’ bedroom is the one most heavily redolent of his visits to The Globe, especially when you consider the intimacy he shared with Anna Park, who inspired what Burns considered to be his most beautiful love song – The Gowden Locks of Anna.”
Guests can also look forward to a calendar of storytelling events, where they can delight in culinary creations and enjoy a good tale accompanied by a dram or two. Kathleen has exciting plans: “The events calendar is constantly evolving with everything from Robert the Bruce-themed events to local legends and folklore. There’s even an event planned to celebrate the life of Jean Armour Burns, which has already received significant interest.”
In summation, Kathleen said, “There are stories woven into the very fabric of The Globe, creating its warm, inviting atmosphere. I am passionate about sharing The Globe’s history and people. These tours and events connect visitors to the past in a creative, intriguing way. My aim is to inspire guests to see Dumfries as having a pivotal role in keeping the immortal memory of Robert Burns very much alive.”
For tour bookings CLICK HERE
