Thomas Carlyle’s birthplace welcomes international academics

Staff and volunteers at the National Trust for Scotland’s Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace in Ecclefechan are preparing to welcome a delegation of world-wide experts on the writer, on Saturday 6 September.

Staff and volunteers at the National Trust for Scotland’s Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace in Ecclefechan are preparing to welcome a delegation of world-wide experts on the writer, on Saturday 6 September.

The academics are attending the University of Glasgow’s Carlyle Conference 2008 which takes place at the university’s Dumfries Campus from Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 September.

Over four days, the experts will consider the importance and legacy of Carlyle and his contribution to the literature and culture of the 19th century and beyond. Some academics believe that Carlyle’s work does not receive the scrutiny or recognition it deserves.

The National Trust for Scotland has cared for Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace for more than 70 years.

Property Manager Dan Watson said:

“It is very exciting to welcome some of the top Thomas Carlyle experts to Ecclefechan. We are not without our own expertise though. I am sure our volunteers can provide some fascinating insight into the early life of Carlyle too.”

Conference organiser, Dr Ralph Jessop said:

“Everyone conscious of Carlyle's greatness as a writer must remain deeply grateful to the National Trust for Scotland for maintaining his birthplace as one of the three most important sites in connection with Carlyle.

“Thomas Carlyle is unquestionably one of Scotland's most important writers of all time. As such his birthplace is a most special site akin to the birthplaces of a handful of other hugely important authors such as Shakespeare and Burns.”