National Bard, Scotland's

In a letter written from Edinburgh on 14th January 1787, Burns tells John Ballantine: "I went to a Mason-lodge Yesternight where the Most Worshipful Grand Master Charters, and all the Grand lodge of Scotland visited. The meeting was most numerous and elegant; all the different Lodges about town were present, in all their pomp. The Grand Master who presided with great solemnity, and honor to himself as a Gentleman and Mason, among other general toasts gave, "Caledonia, and Caledonia's Bard, brother B-", which rung through the whole Assembly with multiplied honors and repeated acclamations. As I had no idea such a thing would happen, I was downright thunderstruck, and trembling in every nerve, made the best return in my power.' This incident occurred at a meeting of Lodge St Andrew's in Edinburgh.

Writing to Mrs Dunlop from Edinburgh on 22^nd March of the same year, Burns told her: 'The appelation of a Scotch Bard, is by far my highest pride; to continue to deserve it is my most exalted ambition.'