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St. Margarets Hill, Loudoun Road, Newmilns

by Stephen Drury 26 March
  • The Rev. Lawrie DD, Loudoun Church, Newmilns

Loudoun Manse which is situated on St Margarets Hill was built in 1768 to replace the original. One of the prolific residents was Eleanor Moore the daughter of the Rev. Hamilton Moore who ministered from 1891 to 1927, Eleanor attended Glasgow Art School and became one of the "Glasgow Girls" school of artists.

It was also the home of the Rev. George Lawrie DD, a patron and friend of Robert Burns who was welcomed to St Margarets Hill and said it was the first time he "heard the spinnet played upon" by the Rev. Lawrie's daughters;

The beauteous seraph sister band

With earnest tears I pray

Though knowest the snares on every hand

Guide thou their steps away.

The Rev Lawrie was a great friend to Burns, he wrote to Thomas Blacklock recommending Burn's work and in so doing Burns remained in Scotland, the 2nd Edition would be a success. A great piece of Burns lore to be found in Newmilns.

Now life's sweet Spring is passed,

And our autumn's come at last;

Oor Summer day has passed away;

Life,s Winter comin' fast;

But though lang its night may seem,

We shall sleep without a dream,

Till we wauken on yon bright sabbath mornin'. Dr.George Lawrie,1797-1878.

Stephen Drury.


Add a comment

27 March | 9:03:13

James Kirk says

As a kid in the late 1940s and early 50s I lived accross the road from the Manse. I actually lived in Lawrie Street. It wasn't beautifully landscaped then as it is now. Lovely to see the old places being taken care of. Jim Kirk

30 March | 12:43:19

Alex Christie says

The four lines above 'The beauteous seraph sister band...' are part of a work written one night by Burns.Prayer - Thou Dread Power was written to the Lawrie's. Not written on a piece of paper or book , this unique prayer was written on the wall of his bedroom and therefore on the manse itself.I wonder how many other prayers have been written and remembered which are not in the oldest book. An author obviously credited this poem to Edinburgh.The truth is of course more meaningful.Rev. Lawrie was responsible for Burns remaining in Scotland. When in Newmilns, Burns also wrote 'Irvine's Bairns' for the Lawrie children (seraph sisters). A poem set on the Bank's O' Irvine . Both these works are found in every publication of Burns work except the Kilmarnock 1st edition.They were obviously written before the 1st edition publication in Kilmarnock. These tributes to his valley hosts are priceless and should probably be written on plaques as part of Newmilns Town Trail.

11 April | 6:50:37

Stephen Drury says

Thanks James and Alex for your contribution, glad James appreciates the care given to this magnificent house, Alex has highlighted the pressing need for more publicity about the history of the town, so much of it exists but never given the recognition it deserves, were we all as proud of the history of the town as Alex obviously is it would be a much better place.

12 April | 10:04:45

Stephen Drury says

Do we have a Historical Site notice board anywhere in Newmilns? I know we have the walking routes but do we have a notice board showing the historical locations. Perhaps this would highlight our hidden sites. Any comments?
Stephen Drury.

14 April | 3:33:08

Stephen Drury says

My apologies, there is an historical guide, it is positioned in Kingsgate Gardens at the Main Street /Greenside junction. Photograph adjacent. Stephen Drury.

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