Future brightens for home of Auld Lang Syne

It is hoped the funding can help take forward efforts to safeguard the farm's future

The south of Scotland farm where Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne has landed a financial boost to help secure its long-term future.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) has agreed nearly £500,000 in development support for Ellisland Farm north of Dumfries.

It could pave the way for a further investment towards an overall target of £7m to upgrade the site.

Joan McAlpine, project director of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust (RBET), said the support would help in "kick-starting" efforts to safeguard the farm's future.

The trust took on the property - situated near Auldgirth - in 2020 and quickly identified the need for significant investment.

"Burns chose the site for its poetic inspiration and built the farm as his romantic first marital home with Jean Armour," said Ms McAlpine.

"He produced so much work here, especially songs, and we plan to develop creative residencies so new generations are inspired by the beautiful place Burns himself created."

Caroline Clark, the NLHF director for Scotland, said the poet's work was celebrated around the world.

"Ellisland and its beautiful natural environs are of immense significance in the story of Burns and to Scotland’s cultural heritage," she added.

A campaign to raise £7m for the site is being launched

The funding comes as the trust prepares to launch a campaign which hopes to gather £7m.

The 170-acre farm was designed and built by Burns on the banks of the River Nith near Dumfries.

Plans include restoring the poet’s cottage and creating an "immersive visitor experience".

The project also aims to adapt a barn to support a "Centre for Song".

Auld Lang Syne is one of Burns' most famous works and is regularly sung on Hogmanay (New Year's Eve).

First verse and chorus

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my jo,

For auld lang syne,

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.