The building Souter Johnnie's Cottage, is a 18th century cottage, located about an hour from Glasgow. It includes many relics, containing the family bible and implements of a village shoemaker. Souter (shoemaker) Johnnie was the sidekick of Tam O'Shanter in Robert Burns' famous poem. The inspiration for the character Souter Johnnie, Tam's 'ancient, trusty, drouthy crony' in Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter, was John Davidson, the real-life souter who lived and worked in this cottage. It has been restored to act as a museum as much of interest to social historians as to Burns fans, containing life-sized models of Tam, the innkeeper and his wife, as well as a reconstruction of a period souter's workshop. The cottage and adjacent alehouse also feature Burns memorabilia and relics and are well worth visiting as part of a tour of Burns country.

The restoration of Souter Johnnie’s Inn at  Kirkoswald was in 2007. The refurbishments included replacing the old roof with a new thatched roof much more in keeping with the style of the building and transforming the old Shanter Hotel into a fabulous and iconic building complete with thatched roof. The interior is suitably styled to reflect the writings of burns and has a warm comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of bygone days. 

The menu is traditionally Scottish, realistically priced and always retaining the high standards our customers expect. The bar area serves pub snacks with a great variety of beers and drinks. Live music with local musicians is greatly appreciated and creates a lively and cosy atmosphere.

Address:

Main Road
South Ayrshire KA19 8HY
United Kingdom
+44 844 493 2147

Open Hours:
11:30a-5p (Apr-Sep); 11:30a-5p Sa & Su (Oct)