New guardian for Burns' work

Sep 25 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

A BURNS enthusiast has stumped up thousands of pounds to become the patron of the Bard’s most famous work.

Retired professor David Purdie has paid £10,000 for the guardianship of the original manuscript for Auld Lang Syne.

But the Prestwick man won’t be able to take the 1788 document home.

For it will be given pride of place in the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum when it opens next summer. David’s name will appear in a plaque next to the exhibit.

The 62-year-old seized the chance when the lot became available as part of The National Trust for Scotland’s bid to raise £1m for the museum.

David said: “Being able to help safeguard the legacy of one of his most precious works is an absolute pleasure for me.

“I see this as a contribution to my home town and my home county.”

He now devotes his time to writing, broadcasting and public speaking, and is chairman of the Walter Scott Society, secretary of the Edinburgh Burns Club, and a patron of the National Trust for Scotland and the National Gallery of Scotland.

Nat Edwards, museum director, said: “It is truly awe-inspiring that the original manuscript on which the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne were first penned will make such a significant contribution to the creation of the new museum.”

Professor Purdie will be patron of the manuscript for his lifetime.