Former farm of Robert Burns earns accredited museum status
The poet built the estate on the banks of the River Nith
The farm where poet Robert Burns wrote many of his most famous works, including Auld Lang Syne has been recognised as an accredited museum.
It comes after an intensive three-year effort to improve care of the collection at the farm which the legendary man built himself.
A huge achievement
Accreditation status is only offered to sites following thorough inspection and improvement procedures.
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust thus invested significant resources to enhance the care given to the collection, the documentation systems, and on site security procedures.
Approval came in a letter from Museum Galleries Scotland, the national development body that administers the scheme on behalf of Arts Council England.
The Robert Burns Ellisland Museum and Farm is the only Scottish museum to achieve first time accreditation in this round of evaluation.
The new status means the museum will be eligible for a wider range of grant funding, representing another step forward for the trust which was formed in 2020.
The Ellisland team say they’re grateful to the Holywood Trust and Museums Galleries Scotland who supported the trust, allowing them to employ staff to work on the accreditation submission.
Caitlin MacLeod, the Museum Education and Development Lead who guided the museum through the process said:
“This is a huge achievement for the team at Ellisland including staff, trustees and volunteers.
“Being awarded museum status is the culmination of 3 years of hard work.
“We are very grateful to the funders whose support helped us achieve this.”
Hopes are high for years to come
“Accreditation means Ellisland will continue to play an important part in both local and national heritage in the future.
“The recognition comes with lots of advice on how to keep improving, so the hard work will continue.”
Ellisland safeguards artefacts including the poet’s fishing rod, flute, school books and manuscripts, including The Whistle and Wounded Hare.
It’s also home to a cottage which is bookable for over night holiday stays.