‘In the Footsteps of Burns’.

A new website linking the top Robert Burns attractions in and around Dumfries went live this month to stimulate the economy as lockdown lifts.

In the Footsteps of Burns, is a family friendly site which links romantic Ellisland Farm, Friars Carse Country House Hotel, The Globe Inn, The Robert Burns House and The Robert Burns Centre along with other tourist attractions in and close to Dumfries.

A linked Facebook page will have regular updates and both will focus on maps and trails to encourage more outdoor activity and travel between sites. Footsteps highlights what can be seen and done at each site, such as the poet’s stool in The Globe, afternoon tea at Friar’s Carse, children’s activities at the Robert Burns Centre and the farmhouse kitchen at Ellisland.

The Euro £10k initiative was conceived by lead partner, the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, who successfully bid for the funds from the EU Spot-lit programme delivered locally in partnership with the Wigtown Festival Company. The programme is designed to help local businesses benefit from the growth area of literary tourism.

The Footsteps website was produced by local company Creatomatic. It is designed to be young and fun and aims to tell the story of Burns in Dumfries in a new and engaging way.

Joan McAlpine, Chair of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, said:

“After such a long lockdown, this project should help kickstart the visitor season and also encourage local people to enjoy what’s on their doorstep. Ellisland Farm inspired Auld Lang Syne and Tam o Shanter and this fresh approach will inspire a new generation.

“Creatomatic have done a great job and we are very grateful to Wigtown Festival Company who allowed us to adapt the project and timescales as a result of lockdown. There’s a big emphasis on exploring the outdoors with trails along the Nith and in the town centre. A government funded report by Glasgow University published before lockdown found that Burns was worth £203 million a year to the Scottish economy, but that more could be done to benefit Dumfries and Galloway. Marketing initiatives like this one should help us compete.”

Visit Footsteps here https://www.burnsdumfries.co.uk/

See the Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/inthefootstepsofburns

For more information call Joan McAlpine on 07879116435 or ellislandchair@gmail.com