With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Events planned to mark death of poet Tannahill (Scotland)

A Scottish poet who killed himself after being rejected by a publisher is to be remembered on the 200th anniversary of his death.

Robert Tannahill, also known as the Weaver Poet, was once viewed as being almost comparable to Burns.

The centenary of his death saw 15,000 people head to Paisley's Gleniffer Braes, one of his favourite spots, to listen to his songs. It is hoped that Paisley buddies and poetry lovers will again turn out in force to pay tribute to the poet.

New CDs of Tannahill's work are being released, concerts are being put on and a series of events will take place in May, including walks, talks and a play.

Tannahill was born in 1774 to a weaving family but showed a talent for writing poetry. His song Braes o' Balquhidder is thought to be the basis for the famous folk song Wild Mountain Thyme.

Read entire article at BBC