On January 21 1290Sweetheart Abbey, near Dumfries, was founded by Devorguilla, mother of John Balliol.

The abbey was founded in memory of her husband, whose heart was buried with her at Sweetheart Abbey. She also established friaries at Dundee, Dumfries and Wigtown, and endowed a school for the poor in Oxford, which later became Balliol College.

Today in 1613 the cleric George Gillespie was born. A leader of the Church of Scotland, Gillespie negotiated with the Church of England for the freedom of the Scottish Church to diverge from Anglican doctrine and worship. Gillespie died in December 1648.

Today's recipe: a Scottish classic, cock-a-leekie soup is a common starter at Burns suppers. Prepare yours in advance.