Put on a pound for Rabbie museum

Dec 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

BURNS Societies and suppers across the Big County are being given the chance to play a role in the fundraising for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Every society which raises a minimum of £30 will be named on a scroll which will be given place of prominence in the new Alloway museum when it opens in 2010.

Next month’s 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns launches Scotland’s Homecoming celebrations and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayrshire will offer a fitting legacy to the bard.

It is expected that there will be thousands of Burns Suppers held in Scotland next year and this is a chance for each of them to be immortalised at the museum, long after the actual events have passed, for as little as a pound donation per person.

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal called ‘Put On A Pound For Rabbie’, which gives everyone the chance to pledge their support. Online donations are also being accepted at www.nts.org.uk/Donate/Type/

The fundraising is being backed by First Minister Alex Salmond. The Scottish Government is contributing £5.5m towards the Trust’s £21m project and the First Minister has lent his personal support to the public and corporate appeal to raise the final £4m.

Mr Salmond said: “The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will ensure we preserve his legacy so that future generations can learn more about Scotland’s greatest cultural icon.”

Anyone interested in the scheme should contact Georgina Pearson on 0141 222 2266.