John Burnet of Barns: A Romance

A young John Burnet, barely twelve, narrates his own life with a modest, candid voice, recalling the sweltering June of 1678 when he slipped away from his strict tutor’s watchful gaze. Seeking freedom in the river Tweed, he hides his coat and shoes, ventures into the dense wood of Dawyck, and faces the heat, the rustling hazel bushes, and the ever‑present threat of being caught. The simple act of fishing becomes a rite of passage, filled with the vivid sounds of herons, the scent of pine, and the thrill of outwitting his stern master.

Through John’s eyes the countryside comes alive—brown grasses, thirsty cattle, and a river that barely holds its fish. His modest tale weaves humor, the yearning of youth, and the raw beauty of 17th‑century Scottish lands, promising listeners a gentle yet stirring glimpse into a world where every small rebellion feels monumental.