Sober reflection

THOUGH the male-only policy of some Burns Clubs may be causing a decline, as reported last week, one thing is certain: Burns was no boozer. Having to travel on horseback 200 miles a week as an exciseman, he would have to stay sober.

He has been credited with 300 songs, but claimed to have penned only 175. This lower figure reflects his refusal to put his name to songs he considered the work of others – an honest man, through and through.

Norman Thorburn

Laurieknowe, Dumfries