Repairs begin at Burns Cottage

Following a successful fundraising campaign which launched in January 2019, the team at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum are pleased that repairs to the cottage can now commence.

Works started on the cottage interior this week after an extensive programme of research and planning, including investigating long-standing structural issues and finding the most appropriate materials to repair this iconic, if humble, historic building.

Caroline Smith, Operations Manager at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum said: ‘Thanks to the generous support of our many donors, work is now underway to repair the cottage. We’ve worked very hard behind the scenes carrying out essential surveys and tests, and have a comprehensive programme of work planned to protect the cottage for the future.’

Over the next few months, the cottage will have its traditional thatched roof replaced and repairs carried out to chimneys, internal plaster, external harling and limewashing throughout.

The cottage is now closed until mid-January to allow the interior repairs to be carried out, but it will reopen for Burns Night celebrations.

Exterior works will take place from 31 January until April 2020. The cottage will be closed during this period, but the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, with its incredible Burns collection remains open throughout.