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The Robert Burns Chess Set

LIMITED EDITION OF 500

Hand crafted luxury chess set

With a serving of imagination and a sprinkling of poetic licence, we present an exceptional chess set, dedicated to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns.

This Chess Set celebrates Robert Burns through the characters from his vivid imaginings and those mere mortals who weaved their way through his life - or he, through theirs.

Take a spin around this exceptional work of art

Only by picking up your first Robert Burns chess piece can you truly appreciate the years of development and outstanding craftsmanship, both in modelling and casting, that has gone into this epic set.

It took over two years of research, debate and model design before the 32 individual pieces were finalised, and the first Robert Burns chess pieces were set out for play on the equally stunning chess board, each one of the light squares embedded with quotations after Burns handwriting.

The set comes complete in its made-to-measure, gold embossed, leather cloth presentation box, complete with our dedicated 36-page Robert Burns chess set booklet and framed Limited Edition Certificate.

This is a big set. It tips the scales at an impressive 16kg (35lbs) making it on of the most desirable, collectible luxury gifts available anywhere. Which is why so many Stirling 1314 Chess Sets find their homes on every continent. Apart from Antartica (we are working on it!).

The Players - Light Side

  • Robert Burns

    King

  • Jean Armour

    Queen

  • Bonnie Prince Charlie

    Bishop

  • Robert Aiken

    Bishop

  • Robert the Bruce

    Knight

  • Tam O'Shanter

    Knight

  • The Haggis

    Rook

  • Burns Cottage

    Rook

  • Highland Mary

    Pawn

  • John Anderson, My Jo

    Pawn

  • The Twa Dugs

    Pawns

  • Souter Johnny

    Pawn

  • The Ploughman

    Pawn

  • The Cotter's Saturday Night

    Pawn

  • Gavin Hamilton

    Pawn

  • Auld Lang Syne

    Pawn

The Players - Dark Side

  • Auld Nick (The Devil)

    King

  • Nanny the Witch

    Queen

  • Holy Willie

    Bishop

  • Death

    Bishop

  • Robert Burns Exciseman

    Knight

  • Proud Edward

    Knight

  • Bogles and Goblins

    Rook

  • Kirk Alloway

    Rook

  • Warlocks...

    Pawn

  • ...and Witches

    Pawn

  • The Toothache

    Pawns

  • The Living Dead

    Pawn

  • Kirk Alloway's Best

    Pawn

  • Duke of Cumberland

    Pawn

  • Willie Wastle's Wife

    Pawn

  • The Jolly Beggar

    Pawn

The immortal memory

Robert Burns - also known as Rabbie Burns and by various other names and epithets - was a failed ploughman but an outstanding poet and an extraordinary lyricist. In a short lifetime of only 37 years, he wrote over 600 poems and songs to become Scotland's national bard. But his real gift was to transcend his humble beginnings and become a worldwide phenomenon, celebrated more each year, over two centuries after his passing. If Robert Burns has been eclipsed by any other wordsmith, the evidence has yet to be seen.

This chess set is a journey through both his life and his works and celebrates his loves, his humour, his irony and his lasting mark on the world of literature. More importantly, it celebrates his legacy to generations past, present and future.

Robert Burns  (1759-1796)


With the heady responsibility of honouring a world legend, the players in this unique chess set were selected by Stirling 1314’s John Morgan; the 32 different chess pieces were designed and modelled by Steve Trickett (“Peace and Dragons!”); and, of course, the important words embedded in the spectacular chess board - in his own handwriting - are by Robert Burns.

Many beyond number will argue that Robert Burns was the greatest poet of all time. Without question, he is celebrated more than any writer in history with annual suppers and gatherings held in his name, in every corner of the globe.

Stirling 1314 is a corporate member of the Robert Burns World Federation.
John Morgan is a member of the Robert Burns World Federation Guild of Speakers

Don't just take our word for it...

'It is certainly rare that chess sets of this importance and stature become available'

"With an amazing eye for detail John Morgan has created two magnificent chess sets. Painstakingly produced from hand cast pewter, the Robert Burns and Battle of Bannockburn chess sets would grace the homes of any serious chess player or collector with a keen interest in Scottish history and literature. It is certainly rare that chess sets of this importance and stature become available and, in my view, both make a wonderful contribution to the long history of chess which dates back to c600 AD.”

What makes our chess sets special?

Chess pieces and board hand-cast in solid Pewter

An exceptional chess board for an exceptional chess set

The ultimate collectible gift

Limited-Edition Robert Burns Chess Set

£15,000 (including VAT UK & EU)

For more information or to place an order, please get in touch.