Robert Burns had a secret Edinburgh love . Clarinda , also known as Agnes Maclehose. Robert's secret love name was Sylvander.
As you know, Robert Burns was a great Scottish poet and songwriter. We celebrate him each January with Burns Night. In 2024 that date is 25th January!
During our Burns night celebration we enjoy our national dish of haggis. Don't worry, if the idea of meat does not appeal, we also have vegetarian and vegan haggis widely available.
The Complete Works of Robert Burns Photo taken by Fraser Paterson
Burns's secret lover Clarinda's (known to everyone else at the time as Agnes, or - just to further complicate things, her preferred name Nancy) - story is fascinating. She met her first husband, James Maclehose, a Glasgow lawyer in in a carriage whilst travelling the ten-hour journey between Glasgow and Edinburgh. James was forbidden to enter Agnes's family home, so enacted a magnificently cunning plan. He learned the details of Agnes's planned coach journey and that she was the only passenger. James made sure to book all the other seats!
Tragically their marriage proved to be a failure. Agnes divorced James on the grounds of mental cruelty and depression. He knew Agnes had a remarkably close - if only platonic - relationship with the great Scots poet Robert Burns.
After serving time in a debtor's prison, James set sail for Jamaica to establish a slave plantation. Before doing so, he wrote to his wife, "For my part, I am willing to forget what is past, neither do I require an apology from you.". Agnes rejected his pleas for her to join him in the Caribbean. This would later prove to be a big mistake.
Robert desired a more romantic, physical relationship with Clarinda. She wrote a song to Sylvander stating that, much as she enjoyed his company, a conjugal relationship was not going to happen;
Your friendship much can make me blest;
O why that bliss destroy?
Why urge the only one request
You know I must deny?
Your thought, - if love must harbour there,
Conceal it in that thought;
Nor cause me from thy bosom tear
The very friend I sought
This devastated Robert Burns. Their relationship was over.
Upon the collapse of Agnes's relationship with Robert, she set sail for the Caribbean, to be reunited with her former husband. Upon arrival, she found him disinterested. James had moved on with his life, telling Agnes "I am quite happy with my ebony wife and mahogany children"! Bad mistake, Agnes.
Agnes lies at rest beside her cousin Lord Craig in Canongate graveyard - in Scotland we often refer to such places as kirkyards. Lord Craig was her cousin. He had been most kind to Agnes after her moving to a small flat in Potterow, Edinburgh. He regularly supplemented her meagre £8 a year annuity upon the death of her father.
Clarinda's final resting place, Canongate kirkyard, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Photo taken by Fraser Paterson
What will certainly make Agnes happy is that she has a tearoom named after her just metres from the kirkyard. I have enjoyed refreshment in Clarinda's tearoom before. It remains hugely popular during the warmer months in Scotland.
Clarinda's tea room sign, Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Photo taken by Fraser Paterson
Here's to you, Agnes. We all enjoy your tea, lemon cakes and smoked salmon sandwiches to this day.
Another famous former Edinburgh resident we also celebrate each January can be learned of here.
I am certain you will find what is perhaps the best quality tartan shop in Edinburgh, ScotlandShop to your taste. They presently have a fantastic range of Burns Night focussed tartan, tableware and accessories available. Fancy a 5% discount whether you buy online or in store? Quote reference FRASERTG
You can either drop into ScotlandShop at 10 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, arrange a Clan Consultation appointment in store or remotely, or they may even be able to come to you!
I hope you have enjoyed this article. Please feel free to buy me a coffee
Thank you!
Fraser Paterson
Freelance Tour Guide (warmer months) & writer (colder months)