The word 'bairn' is used often by people in the North-East where I work but slightly further south (but still considered north), where I live.. its quite alien.
I think it penetrated the scottish southern border but didnt get much farther down the country.
Thanks for the info. I was not sure Eileen would use it (ie. that it was an oldish way of talking). As far as i could see from internet discussions, it is mainly in eastern Scotland you use the word, but I couldn't see how common it is.