Alloway

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For other uses, see Alloway (disambiguation).

Alloway (Scottish Gaelic: Allmhaigh) is a village and suburb of Ayr on the River Doon, in Scotland. It is best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns, and is also where he set Tam o' Shanter. The ruined Alloway Kirk or "Auld Kirk" as the locals call it, features in the poem--as the scene of the witches' dance--as does the local Brig o'Doon, where the witch chased Tam O' Shanter over the bridge, but pulled the tail off his horse half-way across, as witches cannot cross water. There is a memorial to Burns in the village, and several museums, the largest one is called The Land O'Burns Centre. Robert Burns' father, William Burns is actually buried in the Auld Kirk and is the first grave you come to as you walk up the steps and through the gate. Other notable people buried there include Erec Ted. At night, green lights are illuminated over the Auld Kirk adding to its ghostly appearance.