The main branch of the Scottish family of Burness are descendants of Walter Burness, tenant of Bogjorgan in Glenbervie, Kincardineshire, who died there in 1670.
- Descendants of Walter Burness The first 4 generations descended from Walter.
- Descendants of James Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who was sub-tenant of Inches in Glenbervie, Kincardineshire.
- Descendants of Robert Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who was a wright in Stonehaven, Kincardineshire.
- Descendants of John Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who was a poet and author of "Thrummy Cap".
- Descendants of James Burness a great-grandson of Walter, and uncle of Robert Burns, who was a merchant in Montose, Angus.
- Descendants of Robert Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who was a gardener in England before returning to Scotland to live with his nephew Robert Burns.
- Descendants of Robert Burns the poet, a great-great-grandson of Walter, who usually signed his name "Robert Burness" until 1786.
- Descendants of Gilbert Burns a great-great-grandson of Walter, and younger brother of the poet, who was tenant of Mossgiel in Ayrshire and Dinning in Dumfriesshire, before becoming an estate factor in Haddington.
- Descendants of Isabella Burness a great-great-granddaughter of Walter, and sister of the poet, who married John Begg.
- Descendants of Elspet Burness a great-granddaughter of Walter, and aunt of the poet, who married John Caird.
- Descendants of Thomas Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who was a gardener at Harlington near London, England.
- Descendants of David Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who succeeded his father as tenant of Brawlinmuir in Glenbervie, Kincardineshire, and later moved to become tenant of Boghead in Kintore, Aberdeenshire.
- Descendants of James Burness a great-grandson of Walter, who was tenant of Elfhill in Fetteresso, and later Midtown of Barras in Kinneff, Kincardineshire.