Published: Thursday, 2nd July, 2009 1:00pm

Auld Lang Syne Up For 'Sale'

by Roisin McGroarty

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But Trust will keep manuscript in Alloway museum

AN original Burns manuscript and lyrics is being "sold off" to raise much needed funds for the £21million Burns Museum.

Robert Burns" Auld Lang Syne is going under the hammer at 10th Made in Scotland Sale at Bonhams and is expected to reach £50,000.

A bidder at the August auction, held in conjunction with the National Trust for Scotland, will have the unique opportunity to "sponsor" the famous song.

The unique item has become available as part of the fundraising scheme by NTS which is hoping to raise £1million during 2009 to create the new museum project dedicated to Burns.

The new sponsor of the rare Scottish artefact will then have the manuscript safeguarded within the museum – with their name installed on a plaque.

Robert Burns" Birthplace Museum director Nat Edwards said: 'It is truly awe-inspiring that the original manuscript on which the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne were first penned will now help to make possible the construction of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, as part of the final fundraising push for the remaining £3.8million needed for the project."

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