Dumbarton Burns Club

The Gregg Violin

Robert Burns attended the Bachelors Club in Tarbolton where he learned the arts of social intercourse including dancing. At that time, the dancing master was William Gregg who, as well as instructing his pupils in dance steps, would accompany on the fiddle. Burns, a capable fiddler himself, would have undoubtedly played on the his violin.

The instrument eventually fell into disrepair and obscurity. In 1995, it was found at the farm near Mauchline of the then Chairman of the Bachelors Club, Major John Weir. He gave the instrument to Dr David Martin of Ayr, a retired lecturer at the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive and talented violin restorer, who lovingly brought the violin back to its former glory

It was given to the National Trust for Scotland who now keep it in safe custody at Culzean Castle near Maybole. It is played at the Annual Burns Supper at the Bachelors Club every January. Thanks to the inspiration and sheer hard work of Bill Kean, the National Trust graciously allowed Dumbarton Burns Club to borrow it and allowed it to be played, by Bill,  at our annual St. Andrew's Night Celebrations.

The Club are great indebted to the National Trust and the custodians of Culzean Castle for this privilege. We record our grateful thanks and appreciation of this honour.