Hi Pam
I don't know if there's any connection with your Browns as I have only investigated the direct line with my lot but the areas you mentioned are virtually the same as mine. It might pay to check out the siblings in each of my generations to see if that helps. My Browns are from Edrom, Chirnside, Reston, Blackburnrigg and Co'path - all very close to each other.
Earliest I have is William Brown b. 1788, married Janet Wait. Children: William b 1788 (my line), James b 1792, Janet b 1785, Mary b 1781.
My William above married Alison Laurie. Their children were:
Mary b 1816, Alison b 1823, Helen b 1825, James b 1825, William b 1828.
Maybe you might find something from this. Good luck - it's very frustrating with a common surname.
Gillian