By Fraser Hughes

A BLANKET that will be a centrepiece at the new Rabbie Burns museum is being created by enthusiasts on a 200-year old loom.

It is being woven at the Weaver's Cottage in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.

Work has just started and it will be exhibited on the bed where Burns was born, at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which opens in Alloway, Ayrshire, next summer.

Christine MacLeod, head weaver and property manager of the Weaver's Cottage Museum, came up with the idea to draw together those who have a passion for the Bard's work and allow individuals to actively contribute to the redevelopment of the Burns National Heritage Park.

The names of those helping in the production will be listed and presented to the new museum when the blanket is handed over.

Ms MacLeod said: "The blanket will appear to be like a piece of tartan, covering the bed, but it is a story in cloth.

"It is a link with the story of the birth of the first child of William Burness and Agnes Broun in the cottage, but also a link with those today who continue to do what they can to promote and cherish the work of Robert Burns throughout the world."

A number of Burns enthusiasts have been invited to the Kilbarchan cottage this month to throw a shuttle on the loom.

They include Scottish Culture Minister Mike Russell; songwriter and performers Michael Marra and Phil Cunningham; the 2008/09 Scots Singer of the Year Emily Smith; Glasgow Gaelic School; and representatives from Greenock Burns Club - the world's oldest Burns club.

The cottage staff and Weaver's Cottage volunteers are also making three rag rugs for the floor of Burns' bedroom and the Weaver's Cottage Support Group are hand sewing the linen curtains for the bed and windows.

Kilbarchan was once the centre of a thriving hand loom weaving industry. In the 1830s its population of just over 2000 worked on the village's 800 looms.

But, as large factories began to compete, the number of hand looms diminished until, at the end of the Second World War, there were only two still in production.

The Weaver's Cottage was left to the National Trust for Scotland by its last owners and was opened to the public in 1957. As well as preserving the living conditions of 19th century weavers, staff make sure visitors can witness the traditional skills.

Built in 1723, the cottage pre-dates Burns' cottage, which is believed to have been built in 1757.

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is set to house the most important Burns collection in the world, bringing the Bard to life for the 21st century by celebrating his contribution to Scottish culture.

The museum project also includes the restoration of the Burns Birthplace Cottage and the development of a centre for learners of all ages and abilities to engage with his work, life and Scottish poetry, song and literature.

The weaving of the Burns blanket will take place all this month and the public can go to see it being weaved. It will remain at the cottage in Shuttle Street until it closes for the winter season on September 30.