Younger brother of poet Robert Burns (1759-96). Born in what is now referred to as Burns' Cottage in Alloway, the son of William Burnes (1721-84) and Agnes Broun (1732 - 1820). Gilbert partnered Robert in their farm at Mossgiel (East Ayrshire). Following the death of his brother, Gilbert moved with his family to East Lothian, where he took a job as a farm manager at Morham West Mains, near Haddington. In 1804, he became as factor to Lord Blantyre at Lennoxlove and took up residence at Grant's Braes, between Haddington and Bolton, where his family was joined by his mother and sister. The site of this house is now marked by a road-side memorial.
Gilbert was an elder at Bolton Parish Church, the building of which he had supervised. He is buried with his mother and sister in the church-yard.
