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Robert Burns took two tours through the Scottish Highlands in 1787. Cathy MacDonald follows in his footsteps and finds out about his impressions of the landscapes, his attitude to Highlanders, their culture, music and adherence to Jacobitism.

Cathy visits Culloden, the Falls of Foyers, Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Perthshire. She’ll find out what impact the places and people he met – including fiddle player, Niel Gow – had on his work.

One of Burns’ great loves was Highland Mary. She was the inspiration for Highland Lassie O and Highland Mary. He also wrote Will Ye Go To The Indies, My Mary suggesting they planned to leave for a new life together, had she not died before they had the chance.

Culloden was within living memory during Burns’ lifetime. Many still feared and despised Highlanders, but not Burns.

Ghabh Raibeart Burns dà chuairt tron Ghaidhealtachd ann an 1787. Tha Cathy Dhòmhnallach a’leantail air a shàil, a faighinn a-mach dè shaoil e dhen dùthaich, is dè a bheachd air na Gàidheil – an dualchas, an ceòl, agus an taobh ri na Seumasaich.

Tadhlaidh i air Cùil Lodair, Eas na Smùide, Loch Laomainn, Inbhir Aora agus siorrachd Pheairt. Cluinnidh i mun bhuaidh a bh’aig gach àite, agus daoine a thachair air, leithid Niall Gobha am fìdhleir, air a chuid bàrdachd.

Bha Burns trom an gaol le tè le Gàidhlig, ‘Màiri Ghaidhealach’. Sann dhì-se a rinn e oràin leithid Highland Lassie O agus Highland Mary. Sgrìobh e cuideachd Will Ye Go To The Indies, My Mary - mar gum biodh iad an dùil imrich thairis - mur a b’è gun do chaochail ise.

Ri linn Burns, bha gu leòr beò le cuimhne air Blàr Chùil Lodair. Agus ged a bha mòran gealtach ro na Gàidheil is tàireil dhiu, cha robh Burns nam measg.

In Gaelic with English subtitles