The four 10-day eBay auctions went live yesterday (Sunday 16th August) with prizes showcasing the stunning range of properties and experiences on offer from the National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s leading conservation charity. All money raised from the auctions – to be found at www.nts.org.uk/charityauction – will go towards the fundraising of the final £3.8million required for the completion of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, scheduled to open in summer 2010 in the village of Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland.
Private fishing rights beside the Brig O’ Doon as well as a gardening masterclass at award-winning Threave Estate are up for grabs on eBay along with overnight stays at National Trust for Scotland properties. With a top Scottish chef, a renowned whisky blender and a haunted castle property manager also included in the ‘Bid for Burns’ prizes, these experts will be on hand to ensure that the auction winners have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is the largest project the National Trust for Scotland has ever undertaken and will epitomise Scotland’s proud heritage, paying homage to Robert Burns – Scotland’s national bard. The new state-of-the-art museum will see the restoration of the Burns Birthplace Cottage where Robert Burns was born and the development of a centre for learners of all ages and abilities to engage with Burn’s work, life and Scottish poetry, song and literature.
Museum Director for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Nat Edwards said: “The ‘Bid for Burns’ auction is an excellent way to offer some truly unique ‘one-off’ experiences to members of the public and also raise money for a very important cause – the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
“We have put together an exciting and diverse selection of auction items which will appeal to those looking to experience something that little bit different – whether it’s for themselves or as a gift to a friend or family member.”
He added: “The National Trust for Scotland needs the public to help preserve the Burns legacy for generations to come.”
The online auction is hosted through the user friendly eBay auction site ensuring an easy, straightforward and secure bidding process. To bid on one of the exciting prizes on offer (details below) please visit: www.nts.org.uk/charityauction
Private fishing rights on the picturesque River Doon at Brig O’ Doon, Alloway…
Enjoy highly sought after and completely exclusive private fishing rights beside one of the UK’s most famous bridges – the Brig O’ Doon – on the River Doon in Alloway, Ayrshire.
This prize will appeal to fishing fanatics throughout Scotland and beyond, guaranteeing a private spot for you and two people on one of the best rivers in the country. Nibble on a hamper of goodies including Walkers shortbread as you wait to land your catch of the day.
Experience the paranormal at the mysterious Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, with a ‘ghostly’ overnight stay for 4…
Interact with the ghost and ghouls of ancient history with a private tour night tour at one of Scotland’s most haunted castles – Fyvie Castle, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire. When night falls feast on a sumptuous meal, courtesy of some of the top food producers from Aberdeenshire as well as a dram from Jura Superstition whisky. If you are brave enough to attempt some sleep then enjoy an overnight stay in The Preston Tower, the oldest and most haunted part of the castle.
A bloomin’ marvellous gardening masterclass and overnight stay at the stunning Threave Estate…
This prize for two people will help polish your gardening skills with an exclusive private lesson from the world-famous gardeners at the stunning Threave Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. Following a satisfying day in the garden, tempt your taste buds with some delicious afternoon tea to help you unwind before retiring for the night to one of the picturesque cottages on the Estate.
Fine chef, Jacqueline O’Donnell, teams up with world’s top whisky blender, Richard Paterson, to visit your home and create a food & drink extravaganza for you and your friends….
Experience an exquisite meal and exciting culinary tales for you and a group of friends when one of Scotland’s finest chefs, Jacqueline O’Donnell, of celebrated restaurant’ The Sisters’ in Glasgow, visits your home and takes over your kitchen to whisk up some truly decadent delights.
Making the evening one to remember you will also be joined by the world’s top master blenders, Richard Paterson of Whyte & Mackay, treating you to an exclusive whisky tasting and matching some of the finest blends and malts with your meal.
Terms and Conditions apply, visit www.nts.org.uk/CharityAuction for details.
Issued by DADA August 2009 on behalf of National Trust for Scotland
For details and further images contact:
Gail McGibbon on gail.mcgibbon@dada.co.uk or call 0141 222 2266/ 07989 324 174
Sarah Stuart on sarah.stuart@dada.co.uk or call 0141 222 2266/ 07515 066 357
The Trust’s Burns project is the largest, most ambitious project the charity has ever undertaken. It will cost in the region of £21m and this is made up of:
• £5.8m Heritage Lottery Fund
• £5.5m contribution from the Scottish Government
• £250,000 from Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire
• Land in Alloway with an estimated worth of £2.885m from South Ayrshire Council
• Trust responsible for raising a total of £7m – approx £3.8 million remaining.
The new 1600m² museum building will provide space for the Burns collection, their interpretation and storage, making it a draw for Burns fans from across the globe and providing a lasting legacy for generations to come. The building will also provide a world-class exhibition area of 500m² compared to 120m² in the existing museum.
The Burns National Heritage Park – including the Burns Birthplace Cottage, Burns Monument, Tam O’Shanter Experience, Statue House, Kirk Alloway and Brig O’ Doon – is open to the public while the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is being created.
The National Trust for Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading conservation charities, which relies on the financial support of its members to fund its important work of caring for the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland for everyone to enjoy.
You can join the National Trust for Scotland for as little as £5 per month for a family. To become a member, visit http://www.nts.org.uk/Join/Benefits/.
