A bid to save Ellisland Farm, where Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne, has received a significant boost with National Lottery funding. The farm, located in Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, was built by the renowned Scottish Bard in 1788 for his wife and family. Still retaining the original buildings and paths, the farm holds sentimental value as Burns described it as “sweet poetic ground”.
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, which took over the property in 2020, aims to preserve the historic buildings, including Burns’s cottage, and develop sustainable income sources. With plans to raise over £7 million, the trust envisions creating an immersive visitor experience and a gallery at the site. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided £489,207 in development support, potentially leading to further investment of up to £1.6 million from the National Lottery.
Joan McAlpine, project director of the trust, expressed delight at the funding, highlighting the farm’s importance in Burns’s life and work. She emphasised Burns’s choice of the site for its poetic inspiration and romantic significance. The trust plans to offer creative residencies to inspire future generations through the beauty of the farm.
David Hopes, acting chairman of the trust, acknowledged the urgency of conserving Ellisland Farm and expressed gratitude towards National Lottery players for their support. He highlighted the collective effort required to secure the necessary funding and realise the vision of making Ellisland a place that captures Burns’s essence.
The announcement of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support has generated excitement within the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust. Time is of the essence in preserving this historical site, and the trust is optimistic about achieving its fundraising goals with the support of the community, members, partners, and stakeholders. The trust aims to ensure that Ellisland Farm remains a place where visitors can fall in love with Robert Burns and his legacy.
As efforts to save Ellisland Farm gather momentum, the trust remains committed to honouring Burns’s legacy and sharing it with present and future generations through engaging events and programmes. With the support of the National Lottery funding and the local community, Ellisland Farm is poised to stand as a testament to Scotland’s cultural heritage and Robert Burns’s enduring influence.