For the love of Mary
Can we afford to forget and even neglect this spot?
In spite of the coronavirus pandemic, Mauchline Burns Club is maintaining its well established efforts in pursuing Burns projects, writes PAUL BEHAN.
The current toil is work on the Highland Mary Monument at Failford.
This was erected by the Federation in 1921, so the centenary approaches.
It was thanks to the generosity of Harland and Wolff shipbuilders of Greenock.
These tough workmen showed their romantic side to raise a significant amount of money.
It marks the spot of Burns and Mary’s last farewell on the second Sunday in May, 1786.
Their plan was to meet again prior to their migration to Jamaica a few months later.
However, that was not to be as Mary died from fever shortly after.
And so was created one of our best loved stories.
Ian Lyell, Honorary President of Mauchline Burns Club said: “A century on from its unveiling the Monument is in need of some TLC.
“This involves the cleaning of the sandstone and re-grouting.
“The club has undertaken the work with the blessing of the Burns Federation and it is in the safe hands of the local firm Brady Masonry. “
Last summer a squad of members painted the long railings on the approach to the site, as well as work on the path.
An important innovation to the site will be information boards.
On display will be movie stills of the original opening event and the re-interment of Mary in Greenock in 1920.
The Club has bought a licence to use these from Reuters News Agency and Pathe News.
Ian said: “The cost of the project without the info boards is £2,500.
“Donations have already been received from the Ayrshire Association and a few local clubs.
“Further donations from member clubs would be appreciated.”
He added: “Burns wrote of the incident ‘Can I forget the hallowed grove, whereby the winding Ayr we met.’
“Can we also afford to forget and even neglect this significant spot in the poet’s short life?
“Any support would be appreciated, with donors’ names to be printed in Spring next year in a commemorative leaflet in time for the centenary celebration of the Monument.”