New extensive Robert Burns database gets underway

BurnsScotland is a new project which has been launched to produce a comprehensive database of Robert Burns manuscripts.

BurnsScotland has launched an eighteen-month project to produce a comprehensive database of Robert Burns manuscripts. The project will bring together all Robert Burns manuscripts held in Scotland to be examined, digitised and stored at Glasgow University's Centre for Robert Burns Studies, with the aim of including other Burns manuscripts held outside Scotland at a later date.

Professor Gerard Carruthers, of Glasgow University, said: 'This is a hugely significant development which will greatly benefit those who study the writings of Robert Burns. The man, as we know, was a voracious author who penned more than 600 poems and songs.

'This database will not only allow for quick and easy access to the materials but it will also enable us to identify and put back together papers that have become separated, and even allow us to show examples of genuine Burns works and Burns forgeries.'

Burns Scotland is a partnership between the University of Glasgow, National Library of Scotland, Glasgow Life, National Galleries of Scotland, National Museums of Scotland, Dumfries & Galloways Museums, and East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Museums.

Find out more at the Burns Scotland website.

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