The Scotsman

Race to save 40 Scottish literary works for nation as ‘secret library’ goes on sale

- By ALISON CAMPSIE newsdesk@scotsman.com

Time is running out to secure 40 Scottish literary works for the nation – including early pieces from Burns and Walter Scott – as the contents of a secret library not seen by the public for more than 100 years faces being broken up and sold off.

Around £2.75m is needed by the end of the month to secure the Scottish items from the Honresfiel­d Library in Rochdale, which was put together by wealthy industrial­ist at the end of the 1800s and, for more than a century, has been accessed only by a handful of trusted academics.

The library is home to oneoff manuscript­s, rare first editions and irreplacea­ble letters with its total value estimated at £15m.

A consortium has been brought together to buy the works of significan­ce to Scotland, which include a volume of poems by Robert Burns in his own hand. The First Commonplac­e Book, which was written when he was 24, is known as one of his earliest literary works.

Some of the bard’s earliest correspond­ence is also in the collection, including the only extant letter to his beloved father.

Amina Shah, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland said: “It’s difficult to put a value on these works, written by the hand of both Burns and Scott. But a value has been placed, and time is running out.

“To help us secure these treasures for the national collection­s, please consider donating to our appeal. It’s time to bring the bards home.”

The collection included an “exceptiona­l” group of Sir Walter Scott first editions in their original condition, and many of his manuscript­s, including the complete working manuscript of his novel Rob Roy.

Abbotsford, the former home of Scott in The Borders, is among the Scottish consortium along with National Library of Scotland and National Trust for Scotland. If the items are secured, the group will jointly conserve the 40 Scottish works, put them on public display and make them available for research.

Phil Long, chief executive of National Trust for Scotland said: “This is a collection that transcends the ordinary and the everyday – these items are of both internatio­nal literary significan­ce and a vital part of Scotland’s cultural DNA.

“Remarkable insight brought this exceptiona­l group of literary treasures together in the 19th century one collection. Now, there is one chance to bring the collection into public ownership, ensuring it will be preserved for all for the future."

Earlier this year, it was announced that a several original manuscript­s held in the library was due to be sold off.

The Friends of the National Libraries started to build a consortium to buy the collection with the library agreeing to delay an auction until October 30. So far, £7.5 million has been secured.

Giles Ingram, Chief Executive of Abbotsford said: “Should we fail to achieve this goal with only weeks to go, it is highly likely they will disappear into private locked vaults for another generation at least. Please support our campaign to save this remarkable collection for the nation.”

 ?? ?? The First Commonplac­e Book, handwritte­n by Robert Burns
The First Commonplac­e Book, handwritte­n by Robert Burns

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