Lasting legacy is the priority for Burns initiatives

The National Trust for Scotland was asked by the Scottish Government and other bodies to take the lead in delivering a new multi-million pound Burns Birthplace Museum and other Burns-related initiatives. It was hoped this could be concluded during 2009, to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.

To fund this multi faceted project NTS was to apply, as a charity, to the Heritage Lottery Fund and also receive funding from the Scottish Government. As a charity, it was essential NTS received such funding support to deliver the project and, for its part, the Trust is actively fundraising for the remainder.

The initiative involves creating a new world class Burns Birthplace Museum and making significant improvements to the Burns National Heritage Park and Burns’ Cottage, including the Burns Monument, Brig o’ Doon, Auld Kirk, link pathway and education facilities.

The National Trust for Scotland is working closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund and having secured a Stage One HLF grant of £5,827,000 in January 2007 a further submission has to be made to secure the actual funds. Consequently the NTS Stage 2 submission to HLF is expected, on schedule, by the end of January 2008. The Scottish Government has committed to a similar amount.

Given the international significance of the museum, in 2007 the Trust reviewed its project team and changes were made. This has caused a delay of 4 months. As a charity, NTS has also had to ensure it fully satisfies the Heritage Lottery Fund and that its submission is of the highest quality, including the business plan. The NTS Board has also rightly sought quality assurances for such a major project.

The many initiatives for the Burns bicentenary are expected to open throughout Homecoming Scotland 2009 and it had originally been hoped that the new Museum would also be developed in time to feature in the Homecoming programme but this is looking increasingly unlikely.

However, both the Trust and the Scottish Government are determined that the priority for the Burns Birthplace Museum is to offer a lasting legacy for Scotland, enhancing the timeless appeal of Burns and that this long term perspective is what is important, not whether the museum is completed in November 2009 or a few months later into 2010.

Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of NTS said,

“It’s clear the vast majority of the Burns initiatives will be completed by the end of 2009, with the possible exception of the museum. Delivering a lasting legacy has to be our priority and the Trust is committed to playing its part in delivering what will undoubtedly be a really exciting and ambitious project for the nation.

“We are still on target for our Heritage Lottery Funding Stage Two submission this month. This in itself is no guarantee of funding and it’s worth remembering that even if the HLF funding is confirmed, the Trust will still need to raise a considerable amount itself.

“Burns is as popular and relevant today as he’s ever been and our challenge now is to bring to life the inspiration that was Robert Burns.”