With its rustic, riverside setting and world-famous connections with Scotland’s National Bard Robert Burns, Ellisland Farm creates the evocative backdrop for an exciting new tour.
Launching on Sunday 26th March, Enchanting Ellisland is the brainchild of Dumfries-based tour creators and paranormal researchers – Mostly Ghostly Tours – and Museum Curator Stuart Cochrane.
The tour will embrace a captivating collection of local ghost stories, legends and historical accounts from Ellisland and locality, including: Irongray, Holywood and Dunscore. The team are thrilled to be working in collaboration with such a highly respected and much-loved visitor attraction and plan to run their event at regular intervals throughout the year.
Giving her thoughts on the new venture, Team Founder Kathleen Cronie said:
“We’re delighted to be working with our friends at Ellisland Farm: these magical lands are best known as being the place Robert Burns called home between 1788 and 1791. Here, Robert was inspired to create his epic masterpiece Tam o’ Shanter along with some of his best known works. Ellisland can also boast a rich tapestry of supernatural folklore which we’ll entwine with elements of Burns’ incredible life.”
So how did the tour come about? Kathleen explains:
“Enchanting Ellisland began with an e-mail from Stuart, inviting us to discuss ways of working together. Strong partnerships are at the core of our project and very quickly, plans were in place for an historical walking tour. Together, we aim to attract new people to Ellisland and give past visitors another reason to return.”
A Golden Lady is one of the ghosts alleged to roam the riverbank close to Burns’ former home: a crying child has been reported along with sightings of a mysterious mist-shrouded woman. In addition to these, guests can look forward to the tragic story of an old witch-woman, hauntings that terrified residents of a local farmhouse and a swan whose appearance brings death.
Commenting on these spooky stories, Team member John Hill said:
“Our research has uncovered some fascinating tales highlighting Dumfries and Galloway’s rich variety of folklore. Within a few miles of Ellisland, in places that Burns would have known well, mysterious and thought-provoking legends abound. We feel strongly about bringing these stories to life, in the hope they are never forgotten.”
Mostly Ghostly aim to promote a sense of adventure, encouraging people to get out and about to enjoy the outdoors. Enchanting Ellisland features a walk in Burns’ footsteps to Friars Carse Hermitage where guests can absorb the unique atmosphere as the team introduce characters and events that helped shape our local heritage.
Giving his views on the new venture, Museum Curator Stuart Cochrane said:
“Many visitors to Ellisland report that they sense that Robert Burns is still here. Quite a few people have been overcome with emotion, especially when they walk into his private sitting room. One visitor reported “You can practically smell him here”. We are delighted that Mostly Ghostly are bringing the history and stories of the past alive in their unique way, especially as the team are so professional and entertaining”.
Summing up, Kathleen said:
“2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and these key themes underpin every aspect of our work. We feel this is the perfect time to launch Enchanting Ellisland and hope that by raising the profile of the area’s local history, myths and legends, we can help to boost tourism, showcasing our region as a must-visit destination.”
- Contact Info: Mostly Ghostly – [email protected]
- Enchanting Ellisland launches on Sunday 26th March at 6pm
- Established in 2008, Mostly Ghostly are award-winning creators of a range of ghost and local history tours including; Dumfries Ghost Walk, Haunted Theatre Tour, Heroes of the Titanic and Comlongon Ghost Tour
- Ellisland Farm: Guests can discover the soul of Robert Burns at the 18th Century house and farm that he built for his family and where he composed many of his best works. The museum is a world-famous visitor attraction featuring many fascinating artefacts relating to Burns’ life.
