Robert Burns and Clarinda: A Poet's Passion before the Courts of Law - Part I, with Hector MacQueen, Scottish historian and law professor

Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard, was perhaps as famous for his love affairs as for his extraordinary poetry. In 1787, he met the woman who may have been the great love of his life. Her name was Agnes Maclehose - and she was already married, though separated, ensuring that this liaison would be scandalous in all respects. The lovers adopted pen names to write to each other - Sylvander and Clarinda - and Burns finally said his poetic farewell to Clarinda in a poem that remains a popular song today, "Ae Fond Kiss." But the letters turned up in court in 1804. Burns had died; Clarinda was alive, and vulnerable, as ever, to scandal. Her uncle was among the judges hearing the matter. In part one of this interview with Scottish lawyer and historian, Hector MacQueen, Hector brings this passionate and dramatic story to life, explaining how he came to be fascinated by this timeless romance, and by the legal case that ultimately followed. Special music credits: With the kind permission of Karen Matheson, this episode features her rendition of "Ae Fond Kiss" with Robert Brady.