Homecoming for saved Burns manuscripts

Also part of the exhibition is Burns’s First Commonplace Book, which was given jointly to the National Library of Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland from the Blavatnik Honresfield Library by the Friends of the National Libraries in 2022. The book was last displayed in Scotland in 1896 at a major Burns exhibition held in Glasgow and provides an invaluable record of his development as a man and poet.

National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Philip Long OBE said: ‘Securing this outstanding collection for the public was an excellent example of our sector working together to raise the funds and support needed to save them for our cultural heritage and ensure that they would be protected for and enjoyed by future generations. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.’

Philip continued: ‘As the custodians of the place where Burns was born, and many of his most important works, the National Trust for Scotland is honoured to add these important pieces to our collection and to share them with the public through our new exhibition.’

National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland, Amina Shah, said: ‘It’s fantastic to finally offer members of the public the opportunity to see these priceless items up close, after they were hidden away for so long. This is why we, alongside the National Trust for Scotland and other organisations, worked so hard to acquire these items when they came up for sale – it was unthinkable that they would once again end up in private hands. It’s also fitting that the First Commonplace Book makes its first appearance at Burns’s birthplace – it will feel like a true homecoming.’

Homecoming is open daily at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum until 12 March. Entry is free.