Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKAIRSBURN, prop.n. Also Skyreburn. In phr. Skairsburn warning, no warning at all, esp. in reference to a sudden and unlooked-for misfortune (see quot.).Gall. 1827 R. Chambers Picture of Scotland I. 275:
The little village, or rather mill-town of Skyreburn affords one of the most exquisite little morsels of burn-side scenery to be found in Scotland. . . . The burn itself is one of the most unequal and poetical temper . . . it is apt in case of showers to assume suddenly all the consequential airs of a large river, without regard to the good linen webs which may be bleaching, or the bairns that may be plucking gowans or pursuing butterflies on its verdant and copsy banks. This remarkable characteristic has occasioned the proverbial expression — “Skairsburn Warning;” used throughout Galloway in case of any unexpected calamity.Gall. 1904 Crockett Raiderland 63:
It is no uncommon thing for the level of a moorland burn to be raised six or ten feet in the course of a few minutes. A “Skyreburn” warning is proverbial in the south country along Solwayside.
