Online platform access for more than 2500 archive items
More than 2,500 historic items from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway are now available to explore from anywhere in the world. The records are part of the National Trust for Scotland’s internationally important collections archive.
The conservation charity has launched a portal that gives unprecedented access to manuscripts, archives and artefacts. It includes more than 1,000 items that are held in store for their long term preservation and protection.
Thanks to funding from a member of the charity’s Patrons’ Club and the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, anyone from across the world can visit the National Trust for Scotland website – and engage with Burns artefacts as never before.
With the ability to zoom in to high resolution images to see full details on manuscripts and objects which would usually be displayed behind glass, or may even be in storage, the online collection allows users to experience Burns up close and personal.
It includes previously handwritten manuscripts by Robert Burns which haven’t been previously displayed.
The collection shares the recently acquired items from the Blavatnik Honresfield Library, alongside photographs, letters, objects and wider archival material.
The collection is organised under four categories: Burns the man, myths and folklore, relationships, memorialisation and legacy.
More than 2,500 objects and archives will be available to view and interact with online – including many items that are rarely displayed in public.
Highlights include one of only six known manuscripts of Auld Lang Syne
Highlights include a fragment of one of only six known manuscripts of Auld Lang Syne dating from 1793, Jean Armour’s wedding ring; a lock of Highland Mary’s hair; and Burns’ blue woollen initialled socks.
A fragment of Auld Lang Syne. Image: NTS Media Pics
There are also many manuscripts which have not previously been on display, including Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On The Approach of Spring, Scots Wha Hae and an unbound, uncut copy of the Kilmarnock Edition.
‘We are excited to be bringing our incredible Robert Burns Collection to people across the world through this online platform,’ says Susie Hillhouse, Collections Manager at the National Trust for Scotland.
‘This project, which has been in the works for over 12 months, will allow people to engage with items in the collections like never before.’
‘We’re currently only able to show a proportion of these items at our award-winning Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.’
‘Now, anyone will be able to search the collections, and zoom in to tiny details and experience the full collection of over 2,500 items, 24/7, from anywhere in the world.’
‘The time and investment that has gone in to creating this online collection demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to making heritage accessible for everyone.’
Susie Hillhouse, Collections Manager. Image: NTS Media Pics.
Created in partnership with digital partners Cogapp and Knowledge Integration, the platform also provides access to audio recordings and newly commissioned articles from Burns experts – who’ll shine a light on different aspects of his life and legacy.
Bringing the project ‘to life’
‘It’s thanks to the support of a member of our Patrons’ Club whose generosity was matched by donations from the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA that we’re able to bring this project to life,’ says Ali MacLeod, Head of Fundraising at the National Trust for Scotland.
‘We hope that we can learn from this project and that it might pave the way for us to develop further online collections as part of our strategy to make Scotland’s important history accessible to everyone – both now and in the future.’
The National Trust for Scotland cares for more than 5000 Burns-related items at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. The site includes an award-winning museum experience alongside the cottage where Burns was born in 1759.
This new online offering from the National Trust for Scotland contributes to its vision to deliver Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone.
To view the collection, visit: www.nts.org.uk/collections/robert-burns-collection