Robert Tannahill

Robert Tannahill (1774-1810) was a Scottish poet, born at Paisley. He was the son of a weaver, was bred to the hand-loom, and with the exception of a two years' residence in Lancashire, passed his life in his native town. An enthusiastic admirer of Burns, Fergusson, and Ramsay, he soon began to emulate them, and in 1807 published a volume of "Poems and Songs," which, containing such songs as "Gloomy Winter's noo Awa," "Jessie the Flower o' Dunblane," "The Wood o' Craigielea," &c., proved an immediate success. However, his disappointment at the rejection by Constable of his proffered MSS of a new and enlarged edition of his works and a sense of failing health led to his committing suicide in a canal near Paisley. His songs are marked by tenderness and grace, but lack the force and passion of Burns.

Nearby pages
Robert the Devil, Robert William Billings, Robert William Bunsen, Robert William Elliston, Robert William Service