Vern: I am really an amateur at genealogy but was interested in your inquiry as my gg grandfather David Burns, his wife Agnes Fergeson Burns and their eight children immigrated from Ballantrae, Scotland in 1854. Family history tells us that prior to leaving Scotland the family rented a farm near Ballantrae for a least a year. History prior to that is unknown. Also interesting to note that Agnes Ferguson (?) Burns was from Gavin. Probably doesn't help but interesting at least. J Sheppard