Robert Burns Collection

When the Mitchell Library opened in 1877, one of the earliest decisions of the library committee was to form a collection of all material relating to Robert Burns, as a memorial to the poet.  Through purchase and donation, the collection has grown to over 4,000 items and is reputed to be the world's largest. 

Among the many interesting and valuable items are more than 900 different editions of Burns' poetical works, including two copies of the Kilmarnock Edition (1786) and two printings of the Edinburgh and London Editions (1787). 

One of the Kilmarnock editions belonged to Robert Aird, a neighbour of Burns. He knew the local people mentioned in the poems and filled in some blanks in the text where Burns used only initials and asterisks.

There are 15 original manuscripts of letters and poems, including a letter to William Nicol, an Edinburgh schoolmaster and drinking companion.  It is the only extant example of Burns writing in his colloquial Ayrshire Scots.

Also of interest is the only surviving manuscript of The Ordination, an early Burns satirical poem about the ordination of a new minister in Kilmarnock.  This was bought by the library in 1996, the year of Burns' bicentenary.

In 1998 an original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne was acquired for the collection.  This was one of only 6 remaining copies and bought at auction through the generosity of several donors.  The main difference between this version and that which is usually sung is in the first line of the chorus.  Here Burns wrote 'my jo' rather than 'my dear'.

The collection also has translations of Burns' works in more than 30 languages - the most recent volume is in Polish.  There are several scrapbooks of Burnsiana and a small collection of recordings of the poems and songs.

There is a full set of the annual Burns Chronicle (from 1892). Published by the Burns Federation, the Chronicle contains articles by Burns scholars and news of Burns Clubs worldwide.  Indexes are available, as they are for the scrapbooks and to illustrations in the collection.

Other notable items include newspaper and magazine articles, advertising leaflets, playbills and programmes - there is even a cast of Burns' skull.

To mark the bicentenary in 1996, a new edition of the Catalogue of the Burns Collection was published.  It is arranged in four sections: Editions, Life, Analysis and Memorabilia.  Recent acquisitions are included on a supplementary card index.  Copies of the catalogue are available for sale.

Material in the collection is available for reference during library opening hours. For security reasons it will be issued under supervision and you should contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.  Tours can be arranged by phoning or e-mailing in advance for an appointment (see contact details below).  We are happy to answer enquiries by phone, fax, letter e-mail or in person.

Opening hours

Monday - Thursday 9am - 8pm*

Friday & Saturday    9am - 5pm*

*Please note that this section may occasionally be closed due to special events. You are advised to phone the number below before visiting.

Archives and Special Collections
The Mitchell
North Street
Glasgow
G3  7DN
Phone: 0141 287 2988
Fax: 0141 287 2815
E-mail: lil@csglasgow.org

National Burns Collection

Discover more about Robert Burns - created by a partnership of museums, galleries and libraries to highlight their collections.