Public Servant Lifestyle

Tourists and Scots alike will be able to track down the complete life and works of Robert Burns, through a project which lists the rich and diverse collection of ‘Burns memorabilia throughout Scotland.

Frank McAveety launched the study with the central aim of giving a clear picture of the distribution and care of Burns collections across Scotland - and has accepted a copy of The Definitive Illustrated Companion to Robert Burns on behalf of the nation.

Speaking at the Burns Cottage Museum, Alloway during a day-long visit to Ayrshire, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport said: "Robert Burns is one of Scotland's most famous sons and is popular around the world and at last we have a picture of where the collections lie, who has what, where it is kept and how it is cared for.

"Scotland's cultural heritage is something of which we are justifiably proud. Thousands of people visit every year to experience it at first hand. Being able to learn about and appreciate Burns is important not just for Scots but also for those visitors. The accessibility of the Burns collections will have a positive effect on the tourist industry.

Burns Facts:

There are 36,526 artefacts in the Distributed National Burns Collection. 53% of the most significant objects are cared for by the independent sector.

Burns Cottage museum holds 35% of the most significant material. There are only 35 copies of The Definitive Illustrated Companion to Robert Burns.

Frank McAveety concluded: "It is essential that we know the scale and distribution of collections in order to ensure that future generations can share and enjoy them. The funding of this project through the Strategic Change Fund demonstrates accurately how beneficial this initiative can be not just locally, but nationally too."

The project has been funded by the Strategic Change Fund of over £100,000 and will run until March 2005. For more information about Robert Burns – or to check out a great place to visit – follow this link for the Burns National Heritage Park (BNHP) website. The BNHP is supported by the Scottish Executive.

More information available in Arts & Culture, Books