Catherine Bruce of Clackmannan

Burns's companion Dr Adair described Catherine as: 'Though almost deprived of speech by a paralytic affection, she preserved her hospitality and urbanity.

'[3] She is believed to have said during the ceremony that she 'had a better right to confer that title [knighthood] than some people' implying that the current Hanoverian monarchs were illegitimate.

[4] She (unofficially) knighted other select guests across the years with the same sword[5] including Dr John Jamieson, editor of the Scots Dictionary.

[4] On her death, the sword passed to the Earl of Elgin, and in 2018 went on public display for the first time courtesy of the Broomhall Estate.

[7] Her life's story was included in the Walking Theatre Company's production of Tales of Clackmannan which celebrated the history of Clackmannanshire.