William Burnes
William Burnes | |
|---|---|
William Burnes' grave in Alloway Kirk | |
| Born | 11 November 1721 Dunnottar, Kincardineshire, Scotland |
| Died | 13 February 1784 (aged 62) Lochlea, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | Gardener and farmer |
| Spouse | Agnes Broun |
| Children | 7, including Robert, Gilbert, Agnes, and Isabella |
| Relatives | Robert Burnes (brother) |
William Burnes or William Burness (11 November 1721 – 13 February 1784) was the father of the poet Robert Burns. He was born at either Upper Kinmonth or Clochnahill Farm, Dunnottar, Kincardineshire, and trained as a gardener at Inverugie Castle, Aberdeenshire, before moving to Ayrshire and becoming a tenant farmer. His parents were Robert Burnes and Isabella Keith. He retained the spelling 'Burnes' throughout his life; however, his son favoured the Ayrshire spelling of 'Burns'.