The ruin of Alloway Auld Kirk, famous setting for Burns' Tam O'Shanter together with the Kirkyard which contains the grave of Burns' father and other significant people from his life are set to undergo major restoration to preserve its future.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed a grant of £136,000 toward making the building structurally secure and to slow any further deterioration. The overgrown Kirkyard will be restored, gates and masonry overhauled and paths constructed.

The work is expected to start at the beginning of next year.

Said Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council: "I am delighted to learn of the award of the grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"The news means that South Ayrshire Council can now proceed with the ambitious plans that we have had drawn up to restore and maintain this iconic location for the interest of both current and future generations.

"The Kirk and graveyard are vital elements within the heritage of Robert Burns, and indeed of Scotland.

"In terms of cultural treasures, they are priceless assets, and I readily accept the tremendous role that they play in providing a vital element of the Burns heritage trail.

"Alloway Auld Kirk and the surrounding Kirkyard are highly significant parts of the history of Robert Burns, his family and associates, and of course they are the setting for 'Tam o' Shanter'.

"Once the safe-guarding and restoration work is completed, I have no doubt that the attractiveness to visitors will be greatly enhanced and will be another important attraction, prior to and during the 250 th anniversary celebrations being planned for 2009."

Concern over the condition of Alloway Auld Kirk had led to the commissioning of a preliminary condition report that produced recommendations to stabilise the building and to improve the access in the graveyard.

This resulted in plans being prepared for the preservation and restoration of the Kirk and graveyard including stabilising work using methods and materials meeting Historic Scotland guidelines; reinstatement of the Bell Tower, improvements to pathways and the remounting of gravestones.

Earlier this year South Ayrshire Council approved the project in principle with a decision to commit funding of £30,000 from the Ayr Common Good fund at the same time agreeing to seek external support from a number of organisations.

The Council has already received word from Enterprise Ayrshire of match funding of £30,000, and has had agreement from Historic Scotland (Ancient Monuments) for £27,450.

Financial support of £20,000 is also being sought from the Pilgrim Trust.

Said Councillor Hill: "Now that the majority of funding is in place, the go-ahead can be given for work on the project to get under way."

Work is expected to begin early next year, with the project hoped to be completed within 12 months.

September 2005