It is believed that Tam, in Robbie Burns famous poem, was modelled on one Thomas REID who lived as a farm worker with the Burns family when Robbie was born. Thomas was later a tenant farmer on the property known as Shanter. If true it is likely that Thomas was born c1744. Thomas married but her name is not known. She predeceased him. It may be wishful thinking but I am of the view that Thomas was possiblity the grandson of Thomas and Sarah (Findlay) Reid whose grave is adjacent to that of Robbies parents at Alloway. It is understood that Thomas & Sarah had four sons. John, James, Robert and William. I know nothing of the first three but I descend from William whose son Hugh farmed Cultezeoun Farm SW of Maybole. Any help to identify Thomas REID would be appreciated. Murray Reid NZ