Thank you for that correction Reinhard, much appreciated.

Raeburn was a baker, unjustly accused of theft and banished for life to Botany Bay, c.1840.

Those transported for non-capital offences were sentenced to seven years. Those transported for capital offences were sentenced to 14 years and sometimes life depending upon the severity and nature of their crimes. Political prisoners were transported for life.

Cannot understand why reading the words of the song anyone should state the fictitious Jamie Raeburn was anything other than Guilty as charged:

"Unto my aged Mother, oh I'm vexed for what I've done.
I hope there's nane cast up to you the race that I have run
I pray that God protect ye when I am gaun awa
Far frae these bonny hills and braes o Caledonia"