In June 1783 the volcano Laki erupted, carrying huge clouds of ash and gas across western Europe, blighting crops and poisoning people and animals, and massively disrupting weather. The following spring Robert Burns and his brother took up the tenancy of the farm of Mossgiel – in what now can be seen as the worst possible time. The harsh conditions led to Burns planning to go to Jamaica – and to his poem to the harvest mouse who he saw sharing his misfortunes. Alec Ross, who himself has a farm supply business near Stranraer, tells the story, and Three in a Bar supply some Burns songs and music.