M'Murdo, Mrs Jane Blair (1749-1836)

'You cannot easily imagine what thinskinned animals, what sensitive plants, poor Poets are. How do we shrink into the embittered corner of self-abasement, when neglected or condemned by those to whom we look up! and how do we, in erect importance, add another cubit to our stature, on being noticed and applauded by those whom we honor and respect! My late visit to Drumlanrig has, I can tell you, madam, given me a balloon waft up Parnassus, where on my fancied elevation I regard my Poetic self with no small degree of complacency. Surely, with all their sins, the rhyming tribe are not ungrateful creatures.'

In his 'Election Ballad', 1790, on behalf of the Whigs, Burns refers to:

"M'Murdo and his lovely spouse
(Th' enamour'd laurels kiss her brows!)
Led on the Loves and Graces:
She won each gaping burgess heart,
While he, sub rosa, played his part
Among their wives and lasses.'

The M'Murdos had seven sons a seven daughters.