The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust are thrilled to announce that Robert Burns Ellisland Museum and Farm was awarded accredited museum status in the most recent round of evaluation through the Museums Galleries Scotland Accreditation Scheme.

This is the culmination of an intensive three year period of changes and improvements to the site and care of collection. Accreditation is only awarded after a rigorous inspection procedure. The Ellisland team heard the good news last week while we were preparing for our very successful Summer fun day. The process was carried out by Museum Galleries Scotland, the national development body that administers the scheme on behalf of Arts Council England. Ellisland Museum and Farm is the only Scottish museum to achieve first time accreditation in this round of evaluation.

“This is a huge achievement for the team at Ellisland including staff, trustees and volunteers. Being awarded museum status is the culmination of 3 years of hard work. We are very grateful to the funders whose support helped us achieve this.”

“We received a site visit from a Museum Galleries Scotland representative back in May. The final decision was made by a panel meeting in London in July. It’s been a nerve wracking few months while we waited for the final decision.” 

“Accreditation means Ellisland will continue to play an important part in both local and national heritage in the future. The recognition comes with lots of advice on how to keep improving, so the hard work will continue.”

Caitlin MacLeod, the Museum Education and Development Lead, guided the museum through the process.

This has been made possible through support from the Holywood Trust and Museums Galleries Scotland. These charities allowed the trust to employ staff to work on the submission.

Find out more about the Museums Galleries Scotland accreditation scheme here.