Lesley Baillie

Lesley Baillie (1768–1843), later Mrs Lesley Cumming, was born at Mayville, Stevenston, North Ayrshire. She was a daughter of Robert Baillie and married Robert Cumming of Logie, Morayshire, Scotland. Her lasting fame derives from being Robert Burns's 'Bonnie Lesley', "the most beautiful, elegant woman in the world". On her tombstone her name is given as Leslie Baillie.

Life and character

The daughter of sea captain Robert Baillie of Mayfield, she married Robert Cumming of Logie, Morayshire in 1799. She had a sister named Maria (Grace) and her mother was May Reid. She was a grand-daughter of Anna Cunninghame and John Reid, second son of the minister of the parish, their daughter being her mother. Through her mother she was related to Sir Robert Cunninghame of Auchenharvie.

In 1799 Lesley married Robert Cumming of Logie, Morayshire. Lesley had six children of whom four sons died on army service in India. Her husband predeceased her by a good many years. Her character was much esteemed for her benevolence of character, kindness of disposition and agreeable manners.