Isabel Pagan

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.

Unsuited for hard labour she settled in a cottage now 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 meeting place and an unofficial pub where whisky and strong drink was served in a convivial atmosphere.

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.

Her best known work, "Ca' the Ewes to the Knowes" was adapted and popularised as a Scottish folk song by the poet Robert Burns.