This Is My GlasgowJul 5, 2024

The former Heckling Shop on Glasgow Vennel in Irvine. Dating from the mid-18th century, this was where flax was dressed, making it ready for spinning, a process known as heckling. It was while working here in 1781 that Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, decided his future lay not in the flax industry, but as a writer.

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#glasgow #irvine #architecture #robertburns #heckling #scottishhistory

Show threadThis Is My GlasgowJul 5, 2024

On a side note, the phrase to heckle someone comes from Dundonian flax workers, or hecklers as they were also known, who were well renowned for their rowdy and belligerent behaviour.

#glasgow #irvine #architecture #robertburns #heckling #scottishhistory

Show threadPeter L Bowden
@thisismyglasgow Back in the day, the Students' Association at the University of Dundee used to hold election meetings called "Hecklings" where candidates for the students' council would make speeches and answer questions. "Rowdy and belligerent behaviour" was often the outcome😄.
Not sure if this continues today.
Jul 5, 2024 at 4:28pmWeb