Isobel Pagan was born in 1741, about 4 miles from Nith-Head in the Parish of New Cumnock, where she lived until 14 years of age. Lame from birth with a deformed foot, she was unsuited for hard labour and so she settled in a cottage romantically situated on the banks of the Garpel Water where she made a living by writing verses, singing and opening her cottage as a howff. A howff was a meeting place and an unofficial pub where whisky and strong drink were served in a convivial atmosphere. She was in the habit of satirizing in verse those who had offended her. She was noted for her sarcastic wit and was apparently an exceptional singer, often singing her own compositions to the delight of her rustic audience. During the shooting season her howff would be filled with aristocrats who were glad to enjoy a laugh at her humour and to hear her sing. Unable to write, the local tailor Gemmell wrote out her verses…….’Ca the Yowes tae the Knowes’ probably being her best known work. This original version was later adapted and put to song by Robert Burns. Known as Tibbie to her friends she died at the end of 1821 in her 80th year and was buried in the cemetery at Muirkirk. The bridge near the cache was once called Garpel Bridge but was renamed Tibbie’s Brig in memory of this Muirkirk worthy. Park at the ‘Walker’s carpark’ at N55 30.885 W004 04.992 and head east past Kames racing track and Muirkirk Golf Club and follow the well signposted route to Tibbie’s Brig.
Congratulations go to Colibriman for being FTF