The farm where Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne will hold an information day for potential volunteers this Saturday.
Robert Burns Ellisland Museum and Farm is opening its doors from 10am till 2pm on Saturday 26 March for anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at the “The best place to see nature through the poet’s eyes”
The heritage centre is looking for volunteers to help with the garden, with events and front of house tasks such as greeting visitors.
Ellisland Farm was built by Burns in 1788. It was the poet’s first marital home with his wife Jean Armour and the place where he wrote a quarter of his songs and poems including Auld Lang Syne and Tam o Shanter.
An independent Conservation Study funded by Historic Environment Scotland and published this year found that Ellisland was of exceptional historic and cultural significance, the least changed and most authentic of Burns’s homes.
The study also identified £500,000 worth of repairs. The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, the charity which took over the running of the site in 2020, is working towards making the operation more financially secure, including through adapting the buildings and creating a first class visitor attraction and centre for creative learning.
Visitors on Saturday will be able to meet existing volunteers, staff and board members to learn how they can help. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.
Joan McAlpine, Business Development Manager at the charity said:
“This is the sort of event we wanted to hold when we took over the running of Ellisland in 2020 – there was so much goodwill towards us. But it was impossible to have big onsite events because of Covid. It will be great to welcome potential volunteers to the museum and farm. It’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours – whether you want to help maintain the grounds or greet visitors. We will also be able to tell people where we are with our plans for the site.”
For information contact: [email protected]
