Thousands of school children learn about the life of Burns

More than 2,500 school children from Scotland’s west coast are being educated on the life of Robert Burns surrounding the 250th anniversary of his birth.

More than 2,500 school children from Scotland’s west coast are being educated on the life of Robert Burns surrounding the 250th anniversary of his birth.

The Burns National Heritage Park is offering the complete Living History tour to pupils every day until 13th February with schools from Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Ayrshire making the trip to Alloway for the visit, which gives an insightful and exciting tour of Burns’ birthplace.

The National Trust for Scotland, who are preparing for the launch of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in 2010, will be continuing the school visits throughout the year and will also offer tours of the new museum when it is unveiled next year.

Burns Heritage Park’s Manager Caroline Glenn said:

“The Living History school visits allow school children to get a real sense of Robert Burns’ life and to hear expert commentary on his work. It’s a pleasure to be able to continue to educate the public and Robert Burns even 250 years after he was born and the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will ensure that this tradition continues for many, many years to come.”

Amongst the visitors will be Thorn Primary in Johnstone, Halfmerke Primary in East Kilbride and local Doonfoot school in South Ayrshire. St Vincent’s School for the Deaf, Sanderson High Special Needs School and Mary Russell Special School in Paisley will also be attending.

The school children will visit the Burns Cottage and Museum, the Tam o’Shanter Experience, Burns Monument, Brig o’Doon & Kirk Alloway. There will also be a fun interactive session with ‘Aunty Betty’, an actress who poses as Burns’ aunt in the cottage and talks to the children about the kitchen area and living spaces.