Also the families of Gilbert Burns and Isabella Burns. Researched by Lawrence R Burness F.R.G.S., F.S.A.Scot. Edited and compiled by Peter J. Westwood Ever since the death of Robert Burns over 200 years ago there has been published from time to time an assortment of genealogical charts on the family of the poet, many of which being incomplete and far from accurate. In an endeavour to rectify this, and to bring the information up to date, the Burns Federation decided to publish its book based on researches by Lawrence R. Burness, a distant relative of Robert Burns, and leading authority on the genealogy of the poet and connected families.