Depute Provost Attends Exhibition Displaying 'Portrait of a Poet - Henry Raeburn's Lost Painting'

Published: 23 July 2026

Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick visited the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum today (Tuesday 21 July) to attend the official opening reception of 'Portrait of a Poet - Henry Raeburn's Lost Painting'.

Henry Raeburn's painting of Robert Burns had been missing for over 200 years when it was finally rediscovered at auction in 2025. The painting was purchased by William Zachs who generously loaned the portrait for exhibition at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum where it will be displayed alongside items from the museum's collection, including original letters by Raeburn.

Depute Provost Kilpatrick is pictured with William Zachs, owner of the painting, Councillor Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Dame Sue Bruce, Chair of the National Trust for Scotland.