Comfortable and homely surroundings to enjoy a drink in with a superb menu typical of Costley and Costley Inns. Perfectly situated to allow a quick lunch or beer stop before or after a round of golf, or indeed a sightseeing trip to the wonderful attractions on the West Coast.

The interior is suitably styled to reflect the writings of burns and has a warm comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of bygone days.

2007 was a busy and exciting time for us with the restoration of Souter Johnnie’s Inn at Kirkoswald, the refurbishments included replacing the old roof with a new thatched roof much more in keeping with the style of the building and transforming the old Shanter Hotel into a fabulous and iconic building complete with thatched roof.

This marks phase one of an ongoing project, the next being the opening of a whisky museum next door in the old Kirkton Jean’s pub. It is also intended that further development of the old buildings behind this will be a coffee shop with craft and retail outlets. In an area sadly lacking in amenities and employment these plans have been received with great enthusiasm from the local people for the regeneration of this historic village.

Souter Johnnie’s was opened on February 4th by Mrs Eleanor Thomson, mother of Jim and Tom, builders and restorers of all the Costley properties. Thatchers were brought from Southampton to create the beautiful roof with reeds from Poland. We had tremendous support from the local council and planning department who encouraged this innovative upgrade and have indicated further improvements to the village will continue by them. T

he menu is traditionally Scottish, realistically priced and always retaining the high standards our customers expect. The bar area serves pub snacks with a great variety of beers and drinks. Live music with local musicians is greatly appreciated and creates a lively and cosy atmosphere.

History

Souter Johnnie’s Inn is built on the site of the old schoolhouse where Robert Burns went to school in 1775. Across the road is the old church ruins and graveyard where Kirkton Jean, Souter Johnnie and Tam O’Shanter are buried under their real names of Jean Kennedy, John Davidson and Douglas Graham.

Robert the Bruce was baptised in this old church in 1274, many centuries before the Burns’ connections.
On an elevated site behind Souter Johnnie’s Inn is Scotland’s only Robert Adam Church commissioned by the 9th Earl of Cassillis before 1777 when Adam was working on the Earl’s castle at Culzean and local legend has it that Robert Burns was inspired to write his poem ‘To a Louse’ on seeing one on a ladies collar when attending a church service. Along the road is Souter Johnnie’s cottage which is open May to October and contains artefacts and manuscripts of Burns and is worth a visit after you have enjoyed a delightful lunch!