South Ayrshire Councillors have agreed new designs for the redevelopment of Burns Statue Square.
Subject to planning, work on the £16m project, which has received funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, is expected to start early 2027.
The new design will create a distinct new gateway to the town centre and a welcoming civic space that supports residents, visitors and businesses, and celebrates the square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature. Based on public opinion, the new design embraces more greenery and a stronger local identity with improved accessibility and loading bays for businesses.
A new arts initiative is proposed in celebration of the 135th anniversary of the Burns Statue in Burns Statue Square, Ayr which took place today – Wednesday 8 July.
The bronze statue which depicts the famous bard was originally commissioned by Ayr Burns Club. It was gifted to the town council and unveiled to the public on the 8th July 1891. The sculpture, which sits on an Aberdeen granite plinth, was created by Scottish artist, George Anderson Lawson from Edinburgh who studied in Rome.
Proposed designs are currently being progressed by Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, to redevelop Burns Statue Square, home to the landmark sculpture. They feature a welcoming civic space, with more greenery and public seating, creating a destination area for people to visit and enjoy.
The plans aim to celebrate the Square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature and local Ayr primary schools have been invited to take part.
If the plans are approved by South Ayrshire Council, the project will launch in the new term and involve local pupils designing a set of sculptures depicting the animals and species mentioned in Burns’ poems. It is anticipated that the artwork will be incorporated within the Square.
Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader and Commercial/Operational Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council whose remit includes tourism said: “The Burns Statue is one of Ayr’s most important landmarks and this project provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate South Ayrshire’s unique connection to Robert Burns.
“By combining art, culture and heritage, we’re creating something that will enhance the visitor experience, encourage tourism and help even more people discover the stories that link our communities to Scotland’s National Bard. It’s especially fitting that local young people will play a leading role in shaping a space that honours Burns’ legacy for future generations.”
Lorimer Headley, President, Ayr Burns Club added: “It is wonderful to see young people playing such an important role in this special art programme, creating a lasting legacy that celebrates the remarkable life, works and enduring legacy of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.”
Results of a public engagement on the proposed new designs for Burns Statute Square will be made public later in the year. Further information is available from www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk.
