Meeting Drew McIntyre

Drew continued:

‘I remember visiting the museum and cottage when I was at primary school in Prestwick. Our class used to go to Culzean Castle on trips as well. I wish I’d been as obsessed with Scottish history at school as I am now. The older you get, the more you appreciate it. And, when you’re living in America and longing to get home, trips like this are so exciting.

I didn’t think I’d learn as much as I did.

I knew that Burns lived here, but I didn’t know he was born in that tiny little bed. And I never knew that William Wallace was Burns’s hero. It’s awesome. That’s why I’m still so excited about getting the chance to come to Burns Cottage and hear the stories and the history.

I tell people all the time that there are only 5 million of us in the whole of Scotland – there are 9 million in London alone – but that we have the wildest history here. It’s essential we preserve that. It is such an important part of who we are.

Another big surprise for me was learning about what the National Trust for Scotland is doing at Burns Cottage and discovering that the Trust is a charity. Through it and its supporters, our history and our historic sites are preserved. That work deserves to be spoken about.

We have to remember the people who came before us. They’re our history, and Robert Burns is such a significant part of that. We need to keep this place going forever. I’d love to bring my kids here one day, and my grandkids, and when I’m long gone it’s vital that Burns Cottage is still here. Let’s keep Scotland’s history alive.’

Find out more about Drew’s visit in our special video story:

Wrestler pays special visit to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum