Trees planted by Robert Burns found on his Dumfries farm

Trees believed to have been planted by Robert Burns more than two centuries ago have been identified at the south of Scotland farm where he wrote Auld Lang Syne and Tam o' Shanter.

The stand of mature beech trees in the grounds of Ellisland Farm near Dumfries is among a series of new discoveries, which include original floorboards and a neoclassical wooden mantelpiece.

Burns designed and built the farm on the banks of the River Nith in 1788 and the Category A-listed buildings have been largely unchanged since then.

The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust is currently seeking to raise £12m restore the farm and develop the site as a visitor attraction.

Burns is thought to have planted the trees, which were identified by heritage forester Andrew Brown, when he altered a watercourse as part of his agricultural improvements to the land.

A comparison of two detailed estate maps suggested Burns's involvement in the planting of the beech trees.

The first, drawn in 1787, a year before Burns moved in, shows no trees in the location, while the second, drawn in 1817, clearly shows them in place.

The trees now stand on the spoil bank above the Laggan Burn, a watercourse Burns is documented as having dug out.

Some still have graffiti carved into their trunks dating to the 1890s, by which time they would have already grown significantly.

Written records from Burns's time at Ellisland refer both to the ditching of the burn and to tree planting on the farm.

The trust is now set to apply to Dumfries and Galloway Council for a Tree Preservation Order, recognising the trees' historical association with the poet.

"The beech trees on the Laggan Burn spoil bank tell a story you can read in the maps and in the ground itself," Brown said.

"There are written references from Burns's time to both the digging out of the burn and to tree planting at the farm during his improvements.

"The location, scale and age of these particular trees all point in the same direction, and they deserve formal protection."

Burns lived at the farmhouse for three years and researchers now believe more of the poet's original features remain intact than had previously thought to be the case.

Original floorboards, ironmongery, windows, wall presses and a neoclassical wooden mantelpiece were all found.

The poet referred to the mantelpiece in a letter written from Mauchline in June 1788, shortly before he moved into the house.

It was then passed down through the Taylor family, who owned Ellisland for more than a century after the poet's death.

Documentary sources including the Barnbougle Papers - Thomas Boyd's accounts for the buildings of Ellisland found within Lord Rosebery's collection at Barnbougle Castle in 2022 - were used to help identify the original features.

Leading Burns scholars and museum professionals from across Scotland were also brought together to interrogate the evidence.

Adam Dickson, project curator for the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, said: "What is striking about these discoveries, taken together, is how directly they connect today's visitors to Burns's daily life at the farm.

"The house he built, the furnishings he selected, and the trees he planted; each is a piece of tangible, physical evidence of his presence here.

"After more than two centuries, there is still a great deal to learn about Robert Burns at Ellisland, and what we are uncovering will shape the way visitors experience this place for generations to come."

Duncan Dornan, chair of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, added: "Heritage of this depth and authenticity is rare.

"I have no doubt that Ellisland deserves to take its place among the most significant literary heritage sites anywhere in the world, and it is clear that these discoveries strengthen the case for the investment now needed to secure its future."

The trust said it will mark the discoveries with a programme of public events at the farm in the coming months, including a woodland walk led by the forester who made the discovery.

A series of monthly curator-led tours of the farmhouse will also take place across the summer.