A health centre in a small Ayrshire town seems an unlikely place for a romantic meeting that would change the course of poetic history.

However, Maybole Health Centre marks the spot where Robert Burns’ parents, Agnes Broun and William Burnes, first met more than 250 years ago.

Now, to commemorate the moment, Maybole Community Council has unveiled a plaque in their honour.

David Kiltie, Chair of May-Tag Ltd, said: “The people of the town already knew the story about Burns’ parents meeting here, but we wanted the rest of the world to know about it too.”

At the time of the fateful meeting in 1756, the site was a Market Fair. In 1759, less than two years after the couple married, Scotland’s favourite son was born.

David adds: “In 2007, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the couple’s marriage, but didn’t commemorate it, so for the Homecoming last year, we decided it would be a good idea to have a legacy for the couple and we thought the plaque was a fitting tribute.”

Tracey Malone, Practice Manager, Maybole Health Centre, said: “We are delighted that the community council wanted to put a plaque outside our health centre to mark this famous historical meeting.”