This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Burns heritage park future
20/01/2005
A £50,000 grant for the Burns National Heritage Park in
Ayrshire was announced today.
Culture Minister Patricia ferguson is due to meet with
the National Trust for Scotland and South Ayrshire Council
in a bid to secure the Park's long term viability.
She said:
"Burns is an international icon. His influence cannot be
overstated and his impressive body of work is recognised
and lauded throughout the world.
"The Heritage Park is integral and important to economic
and social life in Ayrshire, and as a visitor attraction,
it should be one of Scotland's jewels. This grant will help
with short-term costs."
"In the run-up to the 2009 Year of Homecoming I want the
Park to be a well managed attraction offering an excellent
experience for tourists. In my meetings with the National
Trust for Scotland today, and South Ayrshire Council next
week, I will be stressing the need to secure the Park's
long term future."
£65,000 was awarded in 2003-04 to allow the Burns
National Heritage Park to honour outstanding creditors and
meet the projected deficit for the remainder of the
financial year.
£50,000 was awarded for 2004-05 and a further £50,000
has now been approved by the Minister for 2005-06 to meet
core running costs of the organisation.