Church where Scotland's Bard worshipped launches fundraising campaign

An historic church where Scotland's national poet Robert Burns worshipped has launched a new fundraising campaign.

Members of St Michael's and South Parish Church in Dumfries are asking for donations to make improvements to the entrance of the building and exterior landscape.

Every year hundreds of visitors from around the world make the pilgrimage to the church where the Bard, his wife Jean Armour and their family attended.

Built in the mid-18th century, it is described as a place of beauty with "extraordinary" stained glass windows and the Mausoleum of Robert Burns – his final resting place – stands in the churchyard.

A pioneer of the romantic movement, the poet and lyricist is recognised globally for his work and the national day in his memory is on 25 January.

Burns suppers are held on this day with traditional dishes of haggis and whisky and recitals of his best-known work such as A Red, Red Rose, A Man's a Man for A' That, To a Mouse, Tam o' Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss.

Known informally as Rabbie Burns (1759-1796), he spent the last seven years of his life in Dumfries and there are few parts of the town that were not touched by his presence.

The church has two stained glass windows in memory of Burns and his wife and recently welcomed a new parish minister, Rev Gary Peacock.

The congregation is actively looking to develop spiritually, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and through community, tourism and heritage projects.

It works closely with the Dumfries and Galloway Council and public and private visits and tours to the church and graveyard are available.

Fiona Lee, St Michael's Church development officer, said: "There has been a Christian church on the site for well over 1,000 years, it is embedded in the psyche of the town as one of worship, heritage and community.

"As stewards of our faith and this sacred space, we invite people to join us in ensuring the church continues to be a beacon of hope, a centre of service, and a place where God's love is shared.

"We believe that our congregation, along with the hundreds of global visitors that come to experience this historic site, and the Mausoleum of Robert Burns, receive a welcoming and respectful entry point.

"Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference."

The congregation is hoping to raise at least £25,000 to make the necessary and immediate facelift improvements to the church and environs.

Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association is holding a service in the church at 1.30pm on 24 January and the Mausoleum of Robert Burns was illuminated over the weekend as part of the Big Burns Supper Festival.

For more information, email Fiona Lee - info@stmichaelsdumfries.co.uk