153 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN
Writing in English and Scots, the poet Robert Fergusson lived in Edinburgh at the height of the Scottish Enlightenment. Although he died at the tragically early age of 24 in 1750, he nonetheless left behind an important body of work. His poetry deeply influenced the work of his younger contemporary, Robert Burns.His collection of poems Auld Reekie, a vivid portrait of his home town published in 1773, is generally considered to be his masterpiece. He died from an injury sustained in a mysterious accident. His headstone in Canongate Kirkyard was designed and paid for by Robert Burns, who also wrote the epitaph that it bears.
Portrait of Robert Fergusson (1750–74) by Alexander Runciman.
Grave of James Fergusson, Canongate Kirkyard.
Epitaph to James Fergusson by Robert Burns.
Find out more
- Scottish Poetry Library – Robert Fergusson (1750-1774)
- BBC 2, Writing Scotland – Robert Ferguson (1750-1774)
2 Responses to “Statue and grave of Robert Fergusson”
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Where is the state now. I was in Edinburgh last week and it is no longer in this location
https://www.thenational.scot/news/23616429.robert-fergusson-statue-vanishes-edinburghs-royal-mile/