The model and inspiration for Souter Johnnie – that ‘ancient, trusty, drouthy crony’, was one John Davidson – a shoemaker (souter in Scots) at Glenfit, near to Shanter. As a shoemaker, he would have worked from home but would also have travelled to neighbouring farms to make shoes for the tenants, using leather they had tanned themselves. Noted for his ready wit, it’s easy to understand why he became the prototype for the joker of Tam o' Shanter fame. In the latter part of his life, he lived and worked in this house in Kirkoswald.
