13/08/2026
The sun always seems to shine when there's good news at Ellisland. ☀️
Yesterday we welcomed Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, to the farm.
Our Chair Duncan Dornan and Curator Adam Dickson showed him round the house Robert Burns built for his family, where the poet wrote Auld Lang Syne, Tam o Shanter and more than a quarter of everything he ever wrote. He also met Logan Fry, one of the young people helping to shape the stories Ellisland will tell.
Afterwards, the Cabinet Secretary said: "It was fascinating to visit Ellisland which contributes enormously to the story of Robert Burns. The artefacts and exhibitions offer a unique connection to Burns and particularly around the stories of Tam o Shanter and Auld Lang Syne.
"I was delighted to hear about Ellisland's plans for the future including how young people are central to their work through initiatives such as the Burns Schools Competition poetry trail and the Museum Explorers Programme developed with Skills Development Scotland. The volunteer opportunities in collections research and visitor engagement mean Ellisland is helping develop the next generation of heritage, tourism and museum professionals."
