Scottish singer Eddi Reader has agreed to become the first celebrity ‘Burns Ambassador’, in time for the bard’s 251st birthday.
The folk singer will assist the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) in promoting the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum worldwide, which is due to Alloway in autumn this year.
To kick things off, Eddi – who is both well known for both her solo career and her time with the group Fairground Attraction – appeared as the headline act at South Ayrshire Council’s 1759 event last night (January 24), at the Tam o’Shanter Experience in the Burns National Heritage Park.
Speaking about her new exciting role, Eddi said: “It’s well known that I’m a passionate fan of Burns’ work and I’m thrilled to become the National Trust for Scotland’s first Burns Ambassador.
“It is great news for Scotland and for the memory of Burns that the Trust are so determined to create a world-class museum in his honour, keeping him alive for future generations to enjoy. Scotland needs a fitting legacy for Burns and the Trust’s new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will be a place where generations of children can learn about the man and his work in a fun and interactive way.”
Eddi has been a Burns enthusiast for some time, and in 2003 released her first Burns inspired album, Eddi Reader Sings the Songs of Robert Burns. Following this, she then released the album The Songs of Robert Burns: Deluxe Edition, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth last year.
The £21m Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will include a new 1600m² museum and the redevelopment of the existing Burns National Heritage Park. Eddi will be working with the NTS over the next few months as the push to raisee the final £1.1m for the project continues. Donations can be made at www.nts.org.uk/Burns/CelebrateBurns.
