BURNS enthusiasts will have the opportunity to step inside the bard’s mausoleum throughout the summer as part of a new initiative by Dumfries and Galloway Council museums.
From April to September, museum attendants from Burns House will be at the mausoleum in St Michael’s kirkyard, Dumfries, at 11.15 am and 2.15 pm from Mondays to Saturdays to let visitors visit the interior of this memorial. Though Burns was a famous poet and songwriter, he was initially buried in a simple grave in St Michael’s churchyard in 1796, which visitors struggled to find. The bard’s close friend John Syme organised a committee to build a mausoleum that they felt would be more fitting for Burns’ legacy.
Councillor Ian Blake is pleased that more visitors will have the chance learn more about the historic site. He said: “Schools and tour groups are often shown into the mausoleum by the museums team, but we’re very pleased to be able to offer these regular opportunities for more people to step inside this memorial where they can experience more of Dumfries’ rich heritage connected to Burns.”
