A TOP Ayr visitor spot will end 2019 on a high after they were awarded a prestigious tourism award.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway won Best Heritage Tourism Experience for the West Region at VisitScotland’s Thistle Awards in Glasgow last week.

The museum’s success comes just a few weeks after the news that it had also retained its highly-prized five-star rating from the tourism body.

Operations Manager Caroline Smith said: “We are all thrilled to have brought this trophy home to Alloway. Our team works so hard to make a visit to the museum special for all our visitors and it is fantastic to have these efforts recognised. They are all so passionate about protecting what makes Scotland so special and celebrating Robert Burns and all he has contributed to Scotland’s heritage and culture.”

Opened in 2010, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway comprises the Auld Kirk and Brig o’ Doon, the cottage where Burns was born, the Burns Monument and the award-winning museum with its unrivalled Burns’ collection. The museum was generously supported by the Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery

As well as holding an unrivalled Burns’ collection, the museum is also hosting a series of family-friendly festive events throughout December. For the full programme, visit www.nts.org.uk.