David was a year younger than Robert and was probably Burns's closest friend, his
Dainty Davie during his Lochlea days. They probably first met in 1780 or early in 1781. David Sillar has left us with an important description of Robert Burns during his time at Tarbolton :-
Mr Robert Burns was some time in the parish of Tarbolton prior to my acquaintance with him. His social disposition easily procured him acquaintance; but a certain satirical seasoning, with which he and all poetical geniuses are in some degree influenced, while it set the rustic circle in a roar, was not unaccompanied by its kindred attendant – suspicious fear. I recollect hearing his neighbours observe he had a great deal to say for himself, and that they suspected his principles. He wore the only tied hair in the parish; and in the church, his plaid, which was of a particular colour, I think fillemot, he wrapped in a particular manner round his shoulders. These surmises, and his exterior, had such a magical influence on my curiosity, as made me particularly solicitious of his acquaintance. Whether my acquaintance with Gilbert was casual or premeditated, I am not now certain. By him I was introduced not only to his brother, but to the whole of that family, where, in a short time, I became a frequent, and, I believe, not unwelcome visitant. Of his friendship with David records that :-
After the commencement of my acquaintance with the bard, we frequently met on Sundays at church, when, between sermons, instead of going with our friends or lassies to the inn, we often took a walk in the fields. In these walks I have frequently been struck by his facility in addressing the fair sex; and many times, when I have been bashfully anxious how to express myself, he would have entered into conversation with them with the greatest ease and freedom; and it was generally a death-blow to our conversation, however agreeable, to meet a female acquaintance. In the summer of 1791 David was forced, probably due to his failing grocery business, to write and ask Burns for a loan, however the poet was not in a position to help, being
just five shillings rich at present. In August 1791 Burns' wrote from Ellisland to David, who had clearly recently become a married man. In 1826 he was a founder member and first vice-president of the
Irvine Burns Club.
John MacKenzie (doctor) was the first president. In 1925 Provost R. M. Hogg organised the presentation to the Irvine Burns Club of the chairs used by Dr John MacKenzie and David Sillar as councillors in celebration of the club's centenary.
Alexander Tait Sillar and Burns new the local character 'Sawney Tait' well but they insulted Tait's poetry, Sillar comparing
Alexander's poetic muse to "''.. a tumbling cart, wantin' shoon
". This refers to a type of cart with an ungreased tree axle and no iron tyres, infamous for the almost intolerable screeching sound they made. Tait wrote of Sillar in response that "There's nane can sound the bawdy horn, like you and Burns.''", highlighted the pairs mutual enjoyment of bawdry pursuits. Another retaliatory work was "
Sillar and Tait; or, Tit for Tat"
Poems and Songs by Alexander Tait was published in 1790 and like Sillar's have achieved little or no acclaim.
Buchanites On behalf of Mrs Stewart of Afton Lodge he attended two meetings held by the
Buchanites and took notes on their beliefs and practices for which he was at first challenged by Mr Whyte, however upon inspection it was accepted that the notes were fair and accurate. A link exists here with Robert Burns who had knowledge of the Buchanites and one
Jean Gardner, a disciple of the sect.
Poetry In 1789 David published a volume of poetry titled
'Poems' that was 247 pages long, using Robert's printer, John Wilson of Kilmarnock Unfortunately the poems were mediocre and were not well received. ==Micro-history==