Trust’s Royal Patron at the birthplace of Burns

Among the items placed on display for the Duke and Duchess to view were:

• Jean Armour’s wedding ring – Jean was a very important part of Burns’ life and the inspiration for many of his poems and love songs. Her ring is contained in a box, which has two signet rings on either side of the wedding ring. Each of the signet rings holds a fragment of the couple’s hair.

• Auld Lang Syne manuscript – An original manuscript dating back to 1793 and one of only six know to be in existence that we know of. It features the original prose of the poem in Burns’ handwriting.

• The Uncut Kilmarnock Edition: Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect – This is the only one in existence in its raw state before being bound and personalised. Published by John Wilson of Kilmarnock on 31st July 1786 at the cost of three shillings per copy. The success of the book undoubtedly formed a turning point in Burns’ life as he was about to depart Scotland and sail to Jamaica.

• Robert Burns’ socks – Knitted, probably by a family member, they have his initials sewn at the top. From their measurements we can tell that he would have been around a size eight.

The Duke and Duchess also met with local schoolchildren and enjoyed a brief performance played on a violin that had been owned by Burns’ dance teacher, William Gregg, and may have been played by the Bard himself.

On leaving the cottage, The Duke of Rothesay joined front-line staff and volunteers from the National Trust for Scotland at a reception to mark the charity’s 90th anniversary.

The Trust's Chief Executive, Phil Long OBE FRSE said:

‘It was a delight to welcome their Royal Highnesses to one of the most culturally significant places cared for by the Trust.

‘The humble origins of Robert Burns, in a building his family shared with livestock, provide a breath-taking juxtaposition with the worldwide fame and undying influence his talent enabled him to achieve.

‘The Duke and Duchess asked many questions and their fascination with the cottage and the history it embodies was evident for all to see.

‘It was also wonderful that The Duke was able to join some of the dedicated volunteers and staff who care for the cottage and the collections within the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. We reflected upon the 90 years our charity has devoted to conserving, protecting and sharing some of the finest of Scotland’s historic buildings and our rich cultural and natural heritage.’