Cleghorn, Robert (d 1798)

He farmed at Saughton Mills, near Edinburgh, and was a keen supporter of the 'Crochallan Fencibles'. He married a widow named Allen. Their son, John, was a friend of Byron, and upset the puritanical streak in the make-up of the rakish 'Milord' by showing him Burns's letters to his grandfather.

When he was in Edinburgh, Burns was a frequent visitor to Suaghton Mills. Besides being a skilful farmer, Cleghorn had a good voice, and Burns sent him songs on several occasions, including his 'Chevalier's Lament' to the air 'Captain O'Kean'. In August 1795, Cleghorn and his brother-in-law and stepson visited Burns at Dumfries. After the poet's death, Cleghorn was a handsome contributor to the Subscription raised for his widow and family.

It is quite clear from the surviving letters between Burns and Cleghorn that the poet regarded him as the most appreciative recipient of his bawdy verse, some of it original, some of it traditional, passed down verbally from one male generation to another. These pieces eventually appeared in the collection known as The Merry Muses of Caledonia (see Merry Muses).

Writing to Cleghorn on 25^th October 1793, Burns says: 'There is, there must be, some truth in original sin. My violent propensity to B---dy convinces me of it. Lack a day! If that species of Composition be the Sin against the Holy Ghaist, I am the most offending soul alive.'