The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust invites you as a special guest to attend Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne at the Theatre Royal Dumfries. This very special event offers a rare opportunity to hear the recently restored Burns Family Flute, played in Dumfries for the first time in more than 150 years. The flute, which belonged to the poet’s son, James Glencairn Burns, is a prized object from the collection at Robert Burns Ellisland Museum & Farm. It was unable to be played until a recent restoration project.

Award winning singer, Robyn Stapleton, flautist Claire Mann and harpist Wendy Stewart, will perform a selection of Burns's finest works from his time at Ellisland, which he described as “sweet poetic ground”, and where he wrote 130 poems and songs.

The Trust has launched an international fundraising campaign to restore the cottage and farmstead. It was built by Burns in 1788, and remains by far his most authentic home. It is in urgent need of repair and requires sensitive improvements to make it more accessible and attractive to new audiences.

Ellisland’s director, Joan McAlpine and our curator, Adam Dickson, will share the trust's ambitious vision to make Ellisland Farm a self-sustaining visitor destination that will contribute to economic prosperity and  wellbeing in Dumfries and Galloway.

This is set to be a momentous occasion, bringing the magic of Burns back to the Theatre Royal Dumfries - a venue he supported and wrote material for himself. Come along, enjoy an hour of superb music, and learn more about our plans to Save the Home of Auld Lang Syne. 

Saturday 17th January

Doors 2:00pm, show starts 2:30pm

Dumfries Theatre Royal, 70 Shakespeare Street, DG1 2JH

Please RSVP to events@ellislandfarm.co.uk by Friday 9th January 2026. 

Best wishes, 

Katie MacDonald

Project Officer for Events, Engagement and Visitor Services 

Robert Burns Ellisland Trust