Loyal supporters of the National Trust for Scotland are being offered the opportunity to become part of a tribute scroll for Robert Burns in Alloway.

The direct mail initiative marks the first phase of the conservation charity’s fundraising efforts for its ambitious Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which aims to provide a fitting legacy for Scotland’s most popular writer.

More than 14,000 members have been given the opportunity to sign up to a donors’ scroll which will appear online and at the new museum in Alloway when it is complete in 2010 – in return for a £30 donation.

The fundraising push is to help the Trust towards raising the remaining £4 million it needs for the project, and is part of a larger effort to promote Burns and his works to the world.

National Trust for Scotland Chairman Shonaig Macpherson recently visited the United States and Canada, spreading the word about the Trust’s plans and highlighting the influence of Burns’ work, especially as the 250th anniversary of his birth approaches in 2009.

The Trust’s Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will be one of the UK’s most culturally significant and impressive visitor destinations. This world-class attraction will be the largest project the National Trust for Scotland has ever undertaken and will epitomize Scotland’s proud heritage, celebrating the life and work of one of Scotland’s greatest figures – Robert Burns.

Chairman Shonaig Macpherson said:

“The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is the Trust’s most ambitious project to date and we need support from our members, Scotland and beyond to help us realise our goal of providing a fitting tribute – one that truly recognises and celebrates Burns and his importance to our nation.

“The museum will surely become a key cultural attraction in the years ahead and while we are preserving the past by safeguarding the poet’s possessions, manuscripts and other artefacts, we are also seeking to bring Burns, his life and his work to future generations too. His contribution to Scotland’s culture is immense and the Trust is excited to be playing such an important part in spreading the word about his achievements and inspiring generations for the next 250 years.”

Project Curator David Hopes added:

“Burns is known and appreciated across the world. Here in his homeland, with this museum, we will finally be able to showcase the full story of Burns for all to see and allow future generations to celebrate his extraordinary work and unique legacy in the place where his life began.”

This is part of the public appeal in support of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.