Our free school visits are being extended – thanks support from the Holywood Trust. As well as covering the entry cost for pupils and teachers, schools can ask for a contribution toward the travel costs of getting to the only farm built by Robert Burns, and the place he wrote Auld Lang Syne.

The team at Ellisland design the school visits to reflect the Curriculum for Excellence and the interests of individual schools.  As well as poetry and people in the past, pupils can learn about food, farming and the environment.

Earlier this year, Moffat Academy S1 year group held their very own Burns Supper in the Barn at Ellisland. More recently, Closeburn Primary enjoyed their end of year trip to Ellisland. At this school visit they completed a session making their own butter – one of the jobs done by Jean Armour.

Photo credit: Jim McEwan, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

Museum Education and Development Lead at Ellisland, Caitlin MacLeod, said: “The pupils who visited this year really enjoyed their time exploring Ellisland and learned a lot too. We are planning to develop the programme this year to offer even more activities.”

Other schools which have visited are Shawhead, Troqueer, Ae, Caerlaverock, Brownhall, Wallacehall, Hightae, St Mungo and Tundergarth.

Booking Constraints

All schools are eligible and the grant is not means tested.

Due to staffing constraints, we are limiting the numbers per visit to 30 pupils per booking.

However, schools are welcome to book for more than one class if spread across different days.

Funding for travel will not cover entire costs but a proportion of them.

We can also consider educational trips for organised groups of young people aged under 25.

Any questions or queries relating to schools trips can be emailed to info@ellislandfarm.co.uk for the attention of Caitlin MacLeod (Museum Education and Development Lead)