The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Collective Architecture to lead the conservation and sensitive adaptation of Ellisland Farm, the historic home of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns.
Following a competitive tendering process, the award-winning, employee-owned architecture practice, based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee, has been chosen to develop design proposals that will safeguard and revitalise this uniquely significant heritage site.
Built by Burns in 1788, Ellisland Farm is a site of outstanding historic and cultural importance, where the poet composed a third of his creative work, including iconic pieces like Tam o’ Shanter and Auld Lang Syne.
This work forms part of the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, and The Holywood Trust.
Focusing on Conservation and Creativity
While earlier proposals included a new-built visitor centre, the project’s focus has now shifted entirely to conserving the original A listed 18th-century buildings. Several condition reports have identified these structures as at risk, prompting urgent action to preserve them for future generations. However the trust wish to take a “Conservation through Use” approach and some of the buildings will be adapted to bring them back to life.
Led by Emma Fairhurst and Gerry Hogan, Collective Architecture will oversee plans to:
- Reverse historic damage to the buildings
- Provide secure, climate-appropriate storage for the museum collection
- Create flexible event and education spaces
- Restore Burns’s original cottage, removing modern additions to return it to its 1788 condition
- Submit plans to Dumfries and Galloway council
The project will also include visitor accommodation on what Burns called his “Sweet Poetic Ground,” with the vision of hosting creative retreats and workshops, so inviting new generations to “see nature through the poet’s eyes.”
Expertise in Heritage and Adaptive Reuse
Joan McAlpine, Project Director of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, said:
“The Trust was impressed by Collective’s collaborative approach and outstanding track record in conservation-led design. Their work on other A listed sites, such as Calton Hill Observatory in Edinburgh and the Watt Institute in Greenock demonstrates a sensitive understanding of heritage and reuse.”
“Now that we are focused on delivering our vision using the original farm buildings, Collective’s expertise made them our first choice.”
Emma Fairhurst of Collective Architecture added:
“It is a privilege to be appointed to lead the design team for Ellisland Farm, a site of deep historical and cultural value. We look forward to working closely with The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to restore and enhance this remarkable place, ensuring its legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
Alongside Collective Architecture, several other experienced consultants have been appointed to help realise the vision for Ellisland:
- Abound (Peebles) will create a new interpretation plan for the site
- Rob Robinson Heritage will produce a revised business plan
- Peter Thierfeldt, whose previous work includes fundraising for The Willow Tea Rooms and The Citizens Theatre, joins as Director of Development to lead a major international fundraising campaign
Adam Dickson, is Project Curator, while Sharon Glendinning, previously of Crawick Multiverse, joins as Technical Project Manager. The team is completed by Sarah White, Project Administrator.
The development stage of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne is valued at over £900,000 and could unlock more than £1.2 million from the Heritage Fund to deliver the completed project.
We look forward to sharing more updates as this exciting journey unfolds.
to learn more about Collective Architecture and their work, go to their website
