Creation of the Trust
In 1868 two admirers of the Kinross-shire poet Michael Bruce (1746-67) – local antiquarian David Marshall (1831-1902) and Robert Burns Begg (1833-1900), Sheriff Clerk of Kinross and a grand nephew of the poet Robert Burns – bought the cottage in Kinnesswood where the poet was born and where he died, maintaining it as long as they lived. In 1903 a Memorial Trust was constituted under the chairmanship of George Henderson of Turfhills, whose family had supported Michael Bruce while studying at the Theological Hall in Kinross. To this day the Trust aims to keep alive the memory of the “Gentle Poet of Loch Leven.”
The Cottage Museum
An active member of the Trust, James Mackenzie, a chemist in Edinburgh, published several editions of the poet’s works and raised funds to restore the cottage and its surroundings which were opened to the public as a museum in July 1906. The cottage contains not only manuscripts relating to Michael Bruce and editions of his poetical works but also many items of local interest including tools used in the parchment and vellum trade. Members of the community help look after the cottage and the garden.
Entry to the cottage is by donation. Keys are available throughout the year from the Garage in Kinnesswood Main Street.
Annual Service of Commemoration
In 1842 a memorial stone was set up over the poet’s grave in Portmoak churchyard by Dr William MacKelvie, Secession minister in Balgedie and first biographer of the poet. Every year, on the first Sunday of July, a service of commemoration is held and a wreath laid on the poet’s grave.
The Michael Bruce Way
The “Gentle Poet of Loch Leven” is also commemorated in the Michael Bruce Way, a heritage trail linking the villages of Scotlandwell and Kinnesswood via Kilmagad Wood and Portmoak Moss. Created in 1997, it was renamed in his memory in 2008.
Community links and publications
The Michael Bruce Memorial Trust also keeps alive the memory of the poet through close links with the local primary school and community events which include an annual illustrated talk. From time to time the Trust publishes booklets relating to the poet as well as to local walks and stories. (See Further Information)
Friends of the Michael Bruce Trust
If you would like to support the work of the Michael Bruce Memorial Trust by becoming a Friend of the Michael Bruce Trust, please download and fill in the form below noting bank transfer details or enclosing your remittance. Friends receive an annual Newsletter.
