Following top level negotiations involving the Council, the National Trust for Scotland and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, a decision has been taken by the Council which enables the vital Burns attractions to continue to operate … with an intention that they will play a vital role in the 250th Burns Anniversary and Scottish “Homecoming” celebrations already being planned for 2009.

A decision was taken at a special Policy and Resources Convener and Vice-convener’s Sub Committee of the Council that the Council would accept interim management arrangements proposed by the National Trust for Scotland – on a basis that the Scottish Excecutive will underwrite any financial deficit arising from the operation of the Burns National Heritage Park in 2005/06.

Said the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill: “This is tremendous news for not only Burns enthusiasts, but for all who have an interest in the heritage of Scotland. I am delighted that the matter has been resolved the way that it has.

“The decision taken today is a major step forward in securing the future well-being of the Burns National Heritage Park.

“At the same time the Council is ensuring that a vital cornerstone is put in place for the ambitious plans that are being put together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.

“Our action is a vital piece of a jig-saw that should lead to exciting times ahead for Ayr and South Ayrshire – and should be a vital component in the preparations for the ‘Homecoming’ celebrations for which the Scottish Government is already making ambitious preparations.”

Last month the Council agreed to enter into discussions with the National Trust for Scotland in a bid to resolve the future of the Tam O’Shanter Experience located in the Burns National Heritage Park at Alloway, near Ayr.

The Council at that time agreed that the discussions would include the possibility of a short term lease – possibly twelve months – being offered to the Trust to enable the Trust to commission and consider a consultancy report; establish a business plan and prepare a proposal, hopefully for a long-term solution, for the Burns National Heritage Park including the Tam O’Shanter Experience.

The move followed a decision by the Burns National Heritage Joint Board, which manages the Burns National Heritage Park, to terminate their occupation of the Tam O’ Shanter Experience on March 31, 2005.

South Ayrshire Council which owns the premises decided to market test the leasing of the Tam O’ Shanter Experience, and included with the submissions received by the Council was a notification of interest from the National Trust.

The meeting today learned that the preferred option of the National Trust was that the Burns National Heritage Park should be allowed to continue to operate for a further one year period, with nominees of the National Trust joining the Board and the Trust becoming involved in the day to day management of the Heritage Park.

Council concerns regarding any financial liability having to be met by the Council in the event of income at the Park being insufficient to meet expenditure were dispelled following the receipt of confirmation received from the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport relating to the Scottish Government underwriting any financial deficit in the year 2005/06.

Said Councillor Hill: “We have now been in a position to take a decision in order to maintain the ongoing operation of the Heritage Park in the short term, pending the National Trust’s long term administration of the Park, that the existing management arrangements can be continued for a further one year.”

March 2005