More than Conservation

Saving The Home of Auld Lang Syne is our chance to rescue the only farm built by Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard.

He came here after finding fame. But despite the celebrity he enjoyed, he wanted to return to his farming roots and marry the love of his life, Jean Armour.

In the coming months we embark on the first stage of a plan to save the site thanks to the generosity of our funders

We want to:

• Restore the 1788 cottage close to the time Burns lived here with Jean and their young children
• Create a gallery and museum space to safeguard the collection, including original manuscripts and objects belonging to Burns and his family
• Transform the barns and byres into a Centre for Song where new generations of artists can work, perform and share their learning.
• Recreate the “hermitage” bothy where Burns retreated to write among nature – so today’s visitors can immerse themselves in the place which inspired Auld Lang Syne
• Develop new income streams to protect Ellisland and its outside spaces – including woods, paths and fields created by Burns. 
• Embark on a major international fund-raising campaign to Save the Home of Auld Lang Syne and increase awareness of its cultural significance
• Deliver a lively programme of events that include children and young people, the community and local and international artists.
• Use the asset we have at Ellisland to increase economic prosperity in South Scotland and enhance wellbeing with skills training, jobs and volunteering opportunities.

Also Funded by

Fundraising