LONG-SERVING politician David Mundell was delighted after a small boundary change last summer saw his long-held constituency taking in historic Ellisland Farm, once home to Robert Burns.
A life-long fan of the national Bard and seasoned speaker at suppers, the Dumfriesshire MP was keen to learn more about the ongoing phased project to carefully enhance the period cottage, farm buildings and land.
He was recently taken on a tour by Robert Burns Ellisland Trust project manager Joan McAlpine and learned more about the ambitious plans.
During Burns’ almost four-year tenure from 1788 to 1791, he worked extremely hard, amazingly building much of the current cottage and outbuildings himself whilst completing significant improvements to what was previously poor quality land and woodland.
The meandering River Nith near-by and scenic surrounding countryside also proved inspirational for the poet as his Ellisland years also saw him produce some of his most creative work, including penning timeless masterpieces such as Tam O’ Shanter and Auld Lang Syne.
Mr Mundell thanked Joan McAlpine and her team for their hospitality and praised the Trust’s vision and careful approach to historically and accurately create a visitor attraction and events space which gives a genuine insight of Burns’ life during such a significant period.
He welcomed the support the project received in the recent past including a development stage award of £489,207 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and, most recently, a grant of £313,210 from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
Mr Mundell said: “As a Burns enthusiast it has been interesting to see first-hand what is being achieved at Ellisland and what is planned for the future.
“I’ve emphasised to Joan and her team that now the farm and museum is within my constituency I will do my utmost as local MP to support them in their endeavours.
“Robert Burns’ remarkable life and work has global appeal and I feel the Ellisland project fits in well with other attractions linked to the Bard in the region.
“As the work progresses, there should be benefits to local tourism, education and the wider economy.”
Joan McAlpine said: “We were delighted to discover that as a result of boundary changes, David is now our local MP. He has always been a Burns enthusiast and his offer of assistance is greatly appreciated.
“The funding we have received is to help us develop the project, we need to generate a significant additional sum to restore and adapt the buildings and save the home of Auld Lang Syne. David’s connections and expertise will be most helpful in that regard.”
