Isobel Pagan - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Isobel Pagan (c.1741-1821), also known as "Tibbie Pagan" or the "Muirkirk Poetess," was a Scottish tavern keeper and folk songwriter who emerged as an intriguing figure in 18th-century Scottish literary culture. Despite physical disabilities that left her notably short in stature and lame from birth, she became renowned for her sharp wit, musical talent, and the creation of several enduring Scottish songs, most notably "Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes."
First documented in parish records of Muirkirk, Ayrshire, Pagan's life unfolded against the backdrop of Scotland's rural transformation during the Industrial Revolution. She operated a small ale-house near the River Ayr, which became a gathering place for local workers, travelers, and occasionally literary figures of the day. Her establishment, situated at the crossroads of several important trading routes, served as an informal cultural hub where she would perform her compositions.
The intersection of Pagan's personal circumstances and creative output presents a fascinating study in 18th-century Scottish social mobility. Despite her lack of formal education and physical challenges, she developed a reputation for composing verses that captured the essence of rural Scottish life. Her most famous work, "Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes," achieved such popularity that it attracted the attention of Robert Burns, who later adapted and refined it. This interaction between Burns and Pagan has sparked ongoing scholarly debate about authorship and literary attribution in Scottish folk tradition.
Pagan's legacy endures through her contributions to Scottish folk music and poetry, though much of her work remains shrouded in historical uncertainty. Her life exemplifies the often-overlooked role of women in preserving and creating Scottish cultural heritage during the Enlightenment period. Modern folk revivalists continue to perform her songs, while cultural historians increasingly recognize her as a significant figure in understanding the informal networks of literary and musical exchange in 18th-century Scotland. The story of this remarkable tavern keeper-turned-poet raises intriguing questions about the intersection of class, gender, and artistic creation in pre-modern Scotland.