Cash boost for Burns heritage park

Thursday, 20 January 2005 12:00 AM

Scotland's Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister, Patricia Ferguson, has announced a new £50,000 grant for the Burns National Heritage Park in Ayrshire.

The announcement comes a week after the launch of an online petition urging the Scottish Executive to place Burns and his legacy "at the heart of its culture and tourism policies".

Peter Watson, chairman of the Alloway & Doonfoot community council - the district in which Burns lived - said the Executive should "ensure the flagship assets of our Burns heritage are properly restored and developed in good time for the major events planned for the 2009 homecoming year, marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of the national bard."

As of Wednesday, 426 people had signed the petition, and it had attracted the support of SNP MSP Adam Ingram. Speaking last Friday, he said: "The current state of Burns cottage and museum at Alloway is a national disgrace. The failure to realise the potential of our Burns heritage in both cultural and economic terms is a massive source of frustration to the local community and indeed to the country at large."

Now, the Tourism Minister Patricia Ferguson has announced a £50,000 grant for the park, and has pledged to meet with the National Trust for Scotland and South Ayrshire Council in a bid to secure its long-term viability.

Ms Ferguson said: "Burns is an international icon. His influence cannot be overstated and his impressive body of work is recognised and lauded throughout the world.

"The Heritage Park is integral and important to economic and social life in Ayrshire, and as a visitor attraction, it should be one of Scotland's jewels. This grant will help with short-term costs."

She added that: "In the run-up to the 2009 Year of Homecoming I want the Park to be a well managed attraction offering an excellent experience for tourists. In my meetings with the National Trust for Scotland today, and South Ayrshire Council next week, I will be stressing the need to secure the Park's long term future."

Burns night takes place every year on January 25 in honour of poet Robert Burns.

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