The National Trust for Scotland is reaching out across the Atlantic to strengthen its ties with the United States and Canada this week, as part of a major fundraising programme for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

Trust Chairman Shonaig Macpherson starts her trip tomorrow, October 1, when she travels to Atlanta, follows onto Chicago on the 2nd -5th and takes the last leg of her trip in Toronto on October 6. Shonaig will meet a number of influential business people, politicians and supporters of Scotland to spread the word about its vital work in protecting and preserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
In Canada, she will announce the creation of a new fundraising foundation which establishes the first official ties between the National Trust for Scotland and Canada and will help raise the charity’s profile amongst the many Canadians with connections to or affection for Scotland.

The main theme of the trip will be to raise awareness of the plans for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which is planned for completion in 2010.

Shonaig Macpherson said: “Robert Burns has international appeal and this trip is an important step for the National Trust for Scotland, as we take forward our plans for a brand new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. It will appeal to Scots and Burns’ lovers world-wide.

"I was surprised to hear that in Atlanta, there is a replica of the Alloway cottage where Burns was born which I will be visiting during my time in the States. It is a testament to his popularity that such a tribute can be found so far from Ayrshire. In fact, Burns had some very powerful American admirers, including Abraham Lincoln, who commented on his genius.

"This is a great opportunity to promote the National Trust for Scotland to an international audience which identifies strongly with Scotland, its history and heritage. Given how popular Burns is here I am sure many people will be interested in our ambitious plans to create a fitting legacy for this iconic Scotsman who is deeply appreciated on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The Burns cottage in Atlanta was built in 1910 to house the Burns Club of Atlanta. One of the club’s founders was Joseph Jacobs who also owned the Atlanta drug-store where Coca-Cola was first carbonated.

In Toronto, Shonaig Macpherson will be joined by the Trust’s President, the Duke of Buccleuch, Richard Montagu-Douglas-Scott to launch the first National Trust for Scotland Funding Foundation in Canada. The foundation will raise awareness and support for the work of the conservation charity amongst Canadians. A similar foundation already exists in the United States.

The Chairman said: "Many Canadians have strong links with Scotland and are very interested in the culture, history and environment there. This foundation is a great opportunity for the Trust to connect with an audience that cares about Scotland and who could support the Trust’s vital role in preserving and conserving Scotland’s natural and cultural treasures for future generations.”