kirkyard

ROBERT BURNS

The Auld Kirkyard

The first parish church of New Cumnock was built on the castlehill in 1659 and it was still in use during the time of Burns. It is now in ruins and is known locally as the Auld Kirk since it was replaced by a new parish church in 1832.

Many of Robert Burns' acquaintances from New Cumnock are buried in the Auld Kirkyard, John Logan of Laight, Thomas Campbell of Pencloe and the McKnights of the Old Mill.
Sadly, however their tombstones have not survived.

Reverend James Young

One tombstone that does remain is that of the Reverend James Young. He was minister at New Cumnock from 1758 to 1795 and very much an 'Auld Licht' in the Established Church. His strong Calvinistic views did not appeal to the young more liberal-minded Robert Burns or his friend John Logan (Afton's Laird), a one-time dissenter from the Estbalished Church. 'The Kirk's Alarm' is a satirical assualt on the Kirk and on a chosen few ministers for their reaction to the 'New Licht' sentiments of Dr. William McGill of Ayr. The Reverend James Young did not escape a severe case of caustic Burns ! His 'Auld Licht' attitude and refusal to baptize the child of 'Lieutenant' Hugh Mitchell of Dalleagles and Grizel Logan, sister of John Logan, guaranteed his inclusion in 'The Kirk's Alarm' where Burns mocked him as Jamie Goose!.

Verse 1
ORTHODOX ! orthodox, who believe in John Knox,
Let me sound an alarm to your conscience :
A heretic blast has been blown in the West,
That 'what is no sense must be nonsense,'
Orthodox ! That 'what is no sense must be nonsense,'

Verse 2
Doctor Mac ! Doctor Mac, you should streek on a rack,
To strike evil-doers wi' terror :
To join Faith and Sense, upon any pretence,
Was heretic, damnable error,
Doctor Mac ! 'Twas heretic, damnable error.

Verse 5
Calvin's sons! Calvin's sons seize your spiritual guns,
Ammunition you never can need;
Your hearts are the stuff will be powder enough,
And your skulls are a storehouse o' lead,
Calvin's sons ! Your skulls are a storehouse o' lead.

Verse 11
Jamie Goose ! Jamie Goose, ye made but toom roose,
In hunting the wicked Lieutenant;
But the Doctor's your mark for the L__d's holy ark,
He has cooper'd an' ca' d wrang pin in't,
Jamie Goose ! He has cooper'd an ca'd a wrang pin in't.