Around the world people come together singing Auld Lang Syne, now National Lottery funding will help secure the future of the Dumfries and Galloway farm where Robert Burns wrote it.
Situated in rural South West Scotland Ellisland Farm was built by Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns, and still maintains the original buildings where he lived, fields he worked and the paths he would have walked.
He wrote some of his most well-known works while at Ellisland, including Auld Lang Syne
Now operated by Robert Burns Ellisland Trust the farm has a long and successful history attracting Burns and other visitors from around Scotland and across the globe, but the Trust says it needs urgent investment.
Robert Burns Ellisland Trust took on the property in 2020 and quickly identified the need for significant investment to save the historic buildings and farm.
Now The National Lottery Heritage Fund has agreed £489,207 development support that could pave the way for massive investment including up to £1.6million from The National Lottery.
The announcement of the Heritage Fund’s development support comes as comes as the Trust prepares to launch a global campaign to raise over £7million to invest in Ellisland Farm.
Joan McAlpine, Project Director of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust which safeguards the site said: “The place where Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne is one of Scotland’s most important and most at-risk historic sites, so we are delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is kick-starting our project to save it.
“Burns chose the site for its poetic inspiration and built the farm as his romantic first marital home with Jean Armour. He produced so much work here, especially songs, and we plan to develop creative residencies so new generations are inspired by the beautiful place Burns himself created.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “Robert Burns has a unique place in Scottish culture and his work is celebrated around the world. Ellisland and its beautiful natural environs are of immense significance in the story of Burns and to Scotland’s cultural heritage.
“Heritage Fund support will enable the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to fully develop plans to secure the future of the farm and to deliver a wider programme of engagement and events to share the legacy of Burns now and into the future.”
The Heritage Fund’s support comes as the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust prepares to launch a global fundraising campaign with the goal of raising more than £7million investment.
Dr David Hopes, acting chair of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust said: “Robert Burns Ellisland Trust is hugely excited by the announcement of The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s development support for our project to save Ellisland. Time is running out to conserve this most authentic, most beautiful, most important home of Robert Burns and his family.
“WE are grateful to National Lottery players who have made this support possible. We’ve a long way to go in terms of securing match funding but we are confident that with the goodwill and support of our local community, our members, partners, stakeholders, and funders, we can deliver on our vision to make Ellisland the place to fall in love with Burns.”
The 170-acre Ellisland Farm was designed and built by the poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) on the banks of the River Nith near Dumfries.
Plans include restoring the poet’s 1788 cottage, creating an immersive visitor experience, and developing a gallery to display the collection, which is at risk in the deteriorating buildings.
The project also aims to adapt the barn to support a Centre for Song: Burns described Ellisland as “sweet poetic ground” and the Trust aims to ensure its future as a centre for creativity.
The plans would deliver a visitor attraction that reflects modern needs and delivers skills training, jobs and inclusive volunteering opportunities.
