A new museum celebrating the life and work of Robert Burns will not be ready in time for the 250th anniversary of his birth.

It had been hoped that the grand opening of the museum would take place on 25 January 2009, but the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has confirmed that it will not be ready until later that year, or early 2010.

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The museum at Alloway near Ayr has been awarded £11.3m funding but more money needs to be raised.

Funding for the new museum and related improvements to Burns heritage was formally announced a year ago.

The former Scottish Executive committed £5.5m and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) another £5.8m.

The lottery distributor made an initial commitment but it is now up to the NTS to make a detailed bid for the cash, with it will do next month.

The charity, which is trying to manage its way out of its own funding crisis, will also have to find other money to complete the project.

(NS/JM)