Land of Burns Production

The Land of Burns Movie has now started the Production Phase.

To discuss sponsorship, please get in contact with us via the Contact Us Page.

The Ship Inn

Built in 1567 of Dundonald whin stone and slate, the original cottage marked the northern boundary of Wallace’s Lands. A large paddock was built in 1597 and an extension linking this to the cottage was added in 1650 (see gable above bar). From 1688 – 1707 it was the Burgage cottage collecting customs duty for the Royal Burgh.

After the union of Parliaments it became the Customs House and from 1745 was owned by Charles Hamilton. In 1750 a new customs house was built further down the Harbour and after a 4 year battle “The Ship Inn” was finally licensed – with a monopoly of liquor sales this side of the river.

The owner Charles Hamilton became Provest of Irvine on six occasions between 1758 – 1786. His son, John befriended Robert Burns during his stay in Irvine in 1781 and was a subscriber to his Kilmarnock edition of poems.

Old Laings Syne?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

A Film for our Times

A documentary length film following Robert Burns (Donald Kay) as he re-visits his old haunts. For the first time ever the viewer will be able to see the glorious Scottish countryside through the eyes and words of Burns, experience the atmosphere of places like the Ship Inn, where Gavin Hamilton first persuaded the poet to consider publishing his work, to his home in Mauchline, shared with Bonny Jean Armour, his time as an Exciseman and his final days in Dumfries.

The film will be released as a DVD summer 2010 and there are current product placement and sponsorship opportunities available. For full details, contact Jim Crossan.