A new £21 million museum on the life and work of the poet Robert Burns has opened its doors to the public.

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum has a collection of more than 5,000 artefacts, original manuscripts and memorabilia on display.

The new National Trust for Scotland property in Alloway, Ayrshire, brings together for the first time artefacts that were on display at other locations in Scotland.

Interactive displays are also included in the new building, along with a new exhibition by Scottish artist Peter Howson.

The Howson Burns: Revealed exhibition features 15 new portraits of Robert Burns which will be on display and available to buy until June.

Among the artwork on show are 12 pastel paintings and three new oil paintings of the bard.

Kate Mavor, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: "We are extremely proud of what we have achieved with the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum - it is a world-class visitor destination that will draw Burns enthusiasts from around the globe and it has set the standard for trust properties for the future."

The museum has a "unique sedum roof" that insulates the building while heating and cooling is provided by 12 earth energy ground-source heat pumps.

The building project was partly paid for with donations from individuals and money from the Scottish Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council.

The museum is the "largest and most ambitious project" the National Trust for Scotland charity has undertaken.

Nat Edwards, director of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, said: "This has been a real labour of love for all involved and we're absolutely delighted to open the doors to the new museum today.

"Our aim is to provide a modern and relevant interpretation of Burns that will intrigue visitors of all ages, whether they are lifelong Burns enthusiasts or completely new to his work.

"Here you will not just be able to read the manuscript of Tam o'Shanter, you can see the fireplace round which Burns first heard the stories that he turned into that poem, and you can look out the window and see that landscape, places like the Kirk Alloway and Brig O'Doon where the poem takes place. It gives you every facet of the man and his work."

Entrance to the new museum costs £8 for adults for a three-day ticket, £5.25 for concessions for a three-day ticket and £20 for a family three-day ticket for two adults and up to four children.