The home of the great bard is undergoing renovations and last week the final sheaf of wheat was added to the roof of the 263-year-old cottage.

Thatcher Dave Brooks added the final sheaf of wheat to the roof of Burns Cottage in Alloway last Thursday.

The cottage, owned and looked after by the National Trust for Scotland is undergoing extensive conservation work by the charity, including the replacement of its traditional thatched roof.

The traditional thatched roof had developed significant tears and had worn away. Towards the front, moss had also begun to grow, collecting rainwater and rotting the thatch underneath.

The cottage was built by Burns’ father William Burness in 1757 and is the place where Robert was born.

Centuries of Scottish winters have taken their toll, with the roof, walls and chimney requiring specialist attention.

Work, which is being undertaken thanks to generous donations, will continue to conserve the cottage over the next month with the property reopening to the public in mid April.

The house is a simple two-roomed clay and thatch cottage and has been fully restored to become part of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Over the years it has operated as many different venues, including a pub, before coming into the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland.