AN UNRGENT appeal has been launched for donations to save Burns Cottage before it is damaged beyond repair.

The National Trust for Scotland has launched a campaign to raise £100,000 to rescue the 18th Century Cottage where Robert Burns was born.

The news comes on the 260 anniversary of his birth but the trust explains that centuries of tough Scottish weather has taken its toll on the building and now requires specialist attention.

Five years after his tragic death close friends of his hosted the very first Burns supper, a tradition that is enjoyed the world-over to this day.

Caroline Smith, Operations Manager at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum said: “At the back of the home the traditional thatched roof has developed significant tears and has worn away.

“Towards the front, moss is also beginning to grow, collecting rainwater and rotting the thatch underneath. The north-west gable is starting to crack, letting the wind and rain in and damaging the interior plasterwork.”

As a building that is steeped in history and tradition, The National Trust is hoping lovers of the infamous Bard will dig deep to help save the inspiring landmark.

Caroline continued: “Plans are in place to repair the wall at the end of the cottage, cracks along the walls and windows will be filled, the roof re-thatched and the outer walls re-limewashed, weatherproofing the cottage and protecting it for the future.

“Everything we do at the museum is for the love of Scotland.

“We are all hugely passionate about the life of Burns and sharing the stories of his life and work but we are asking for help to protect the legacy of Ayrshire’s most famous son.”

With a £100,000 required to subdue and repair the damages, The National Trust of Scotland has explained that giving just £15, donors can help fix the north-west wall; £35 will help restore a patch of thatch and £60 will limewash a section of the walls.

https://www.nts.org.uk/donate