Burns flute heads to the States

BURNS’ family flute is taking a trip to the United States this week as the campaign to save Ellisland Farm continues. The historic instrument, recently restored after centuries of silence, will feature in a series of performances during Tartan Week 2026 in New York City. Its appearance marks a significant cultural moment and aims to raise both awareness and funds for the preservation of the historic home built by Robert Burns. It will be played by acclaimed traditional flautist Claire Mann – the only musician entrusted with the instrument – alongside award-winning Scottish artists, vocalist Robyn Stapleton and harpist Rebecca Hill. The trio will perform songs composed at Ellisland, bringing the sound of Burns’s creative life directly to American audiences. The flute will make its American debut at Central Park for a small audience and then will be used in performances for the American Scottish Foundation and the St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York. Claire said: “Every time I play this flute, I’m aware of how much history it holds. To play this instrument in front of Robert Burns’s statue in Central Park will be a moment I’ll never forget.” The Ellisland team will also join the Tartan Day Parade, carrying a banner encouraging New Yorkers to help ‘Save the Home of Auld Lang Syne’. Joan McAlpine, project director of The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, which safeguards the site, added: “Americans have made Auld Lang Syne into one of the most famous songs in the world – an international anthem to friendship. “Now we are asking them to join hands with us, in the spirit of the song, to save the very special place where it was created. “We hope hearing the Burns family flute played in the heart of New York City will inspire many to join our campaign.”