Robert Tannahill (June 03, 1774 - May 17, 1810) was a Scottish poet known as the Paisley Poet. He was born in Paisley to a weaving family and was apprenticed in the same trade from the age of 12. After a short period of working in Bolton around 1800, Tannahill returned to Paisley to support the family in time of illness. In the years which followed, his interest in poetry and music blossomed and his writings began to appear in such publications as The Scots Magazine. In 1810, he died by his own hand, drowned in the Paisley Canal.
Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Robert Tannahill is his poem The Braes of Balquidder (c.1742), the basis for the traditional Scots ballad Will Ye Go Lassie, Go.
More From This Day
The company formed by John Logie Baird televised the Epsom Derby which was then transmitted by the BBC.
June 03, 1931
The Local Government Act provides for proportional representation at local authority elections
June 03, 1919
Sinéad de Valera, née Flanagan; teacher and writer, is born in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
June 03, 1878
Government reinforces Gorey and Bunclody, Co. Wexford. Rebels decide to attack Gorey
June 03, 1798