Burns Museum must go ahead

May 15 2009

GIVE us a guarantee that work will continue on the new Burns museum in Alloway.

That’s the demand issued by MSP John Scott this week after it emerged that the National Trust has financial problems.

The Ayr MSP revealed that he has already raised the matter with First Minister Alex Salmond.

And he has insited that the Scottish Government step in to offer further financial help, if required.

Mr Scott said: “The financial position that the National Trust for Scotland finds itself in is clearly a serious one.

“That is why I raised this issue with the First Minister two weeks ago.

“The development of the Burns National Birthplace Museum is vital to the economic wellbeing of South Ayrshire, and it must go ahead as planned.”

The Prospect union published a report condemning the level of financial commitment being made by the trust to the museum.

Mr Scott added: “Ideally, the funding for this project should continue to come from the Trust and third parties as previously planned.

“But if the Trust’s financial position does deteriorate to the point that this is not possible then, in my view, the Scottish Government must stand ready to give further help.”