Scotch (adjective) "Scotch" to describe a jig, but always employed the term "Scottish" when people were the subject. "Scots" (the modern Scots language form of early Scots "Scottis") predominated in Scotland until the 18th century when anglicisation became fashionable and "Scotch" came to be used in both England and Scotland. A 1788 letter by Robert Burns says in part: "Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase "Auld lang syne" exceedingly expressive? There is an old song and tune which has often thrilled through my soul. You know I am an enthusiast in old Scotch songs." ("Auld Lang Syne" in "The Burns Encyclopedia", at
Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush the 10th bestselling novel during 1896. The stories in the book recount some of MacLaren's experiences as a Free Church minister in rural Perthshire and blends humour and pathos with racy Scots dialogue. Maclaren mentions the Drumtochty Forest in the book. William Hole illustrated an 1896 Hodder & Stoughton edition of the book. In the U.S., Clifton Johnson illustrated an edition of the book as well as MacLaren's "The Days of Auld Lang Syne". He also illustrated works by Scottish author J.M. Barrie. Charles H. Gabriel wrote the music and produced songsheets for the song and dedicated it to Mclaren.