Worker coins in a rare find

Aug 7 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

A 13TH century coin has been unearthed by a construction worker while digging the foundations of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

David Nelson, a Border Construction employee, found the coin while excavating the area around the former recycling point at the Tam O’Shanter Experience.

The coin, a long cross silver penny, was minted in London and bears the head of the Hammer of the Scots – Edward I.

David Hopes, project curator of the National Trust for Scotland’s RBBM, said: “This coin has a nice connection with Burns in that it was found near the cottage where he was born and where he grew up reading stories about William Wallace who was, as well documented, a great source of inspiration for the young Bard. The coin bears the head of Edward 1, known as Hammer of the Scots, who was repelled by Wallace.

“It will go on display when the new museum opens next summer.”

Since work began on-site in May, a number of interesting artefacts have been re-discovered, including, most recently, an intricate hand-painted portrait of Robert’s son James Glencairn Burns and a letter from General Giuseppe Garibaldi detailing his admiration for the Bard.

All of these items will be displayed in the new museum.

The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will house more than 5000 items and be the most important Burns collection in the world.

Anyone interested in donating to or fundraising for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum should visit www.nts.org.uk/Burns/CelebrateBurns/