The academics are attending the University of Glasgow’s Carlyle Conference 2008 which takes place at the university’s Dumfries Campus from Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 September.

Over four days, the experts will consider the importance and legacy of Carlyle and his contribution to the literature and culture of the 19th century and beyond. Some academics believe that Carlyle’s work does not receive the scrutiny or recognition it deserves.

The National Trust for Scotland has cared for Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace for more than 70 years.

Property Manager Dan Watson said:

“It is very exciting to welcome some of the top Thomas Carlyle experts to Ecclefechan. We are not without our own expertise though. I am sure our volunteers can provide some fascinating insight into the early life of Carlyle too.”

Conference organiser, Dr Ralph Jessop said:

“Everyone conscious of Carlyle's greatness as a writer must remain deeply grateful to the National Trust for Scotland for maintaining his birthplace as one of the three most important sites in connection with Carlyle.

“Thomas Carlyle is unquestionably one of Scotland's most important writers of all time. As such his birthplace is a most special site akin to the birthplaces of a handful of other hugely important authors such as Shakespeare and Burns.”
 

A wooden version of the crocodile character from Peter Pan can be found in the garden at Barrie’s childhood home. Recently, though the crocodile has lost a few teeth, causing his smile to be more crooked than ever.

More 2500 people have visited the author’s birthplace in 2008 and the crocodile is popular with visitors of all ages.

Recently-appointed Property Manager, John McKenna is determined to get the garden’s well-known resident grinning again. He said:

“When I started work with the National Trust for Scotland I did not imagine that one of my first tasks would be replacing teeth on a wooden crocodile.

“The crocodile is very popular with visitors and if there are any local carpenters who are brave enough to take on this unique project and who would be willing to donate their time and expertise, please get in touch.”

Please contact John on 0844 493 2142 for more information on the project.

JM Barrie’s Birthplace is open Saturday – Wednesday from 12pm – 5pm (1pm – 5pm on Sundays).
 

The Trust, which looks after some of Scotland’s most popular mountain landscapes, including Torridon, Glencoe and Kintail, is launching a public appeal to raise funds for ongoing repairs to pathways in these areas.

Through its Sole Trading appeal, the charity hopes to raise £80,000 this year to fund the specialist, ongoing repair work needed to protect this fragile environment.

From Friday 29 August, donations to the appeal can be made at www.nts.org.uk/soletrading. The Trust is also mailing the appeal to 11,000 supporters across the country.

A dedicated National Trust for Scotland’s upland footpath team completed a major programme of work earlier this year to improve the path network at Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Mar Lodge Estate, Glencoe and Kintail and on Arran.

Together, the team care for more than 394 miles of mountain paths and spend 50 per cent of their work time at altitudes over 2500 feet.

Alasdair Eckersall, ranger at Ben Lomond, works closely with the team and provides management support. He said:

“The Trust is fortunate to care for some of Scotland’s most beautiful mountain areas, including more than 40 munros. Many of these are very popular with walkers and we need to raise extra funds, so we can continue with our repair work.

“Many thousands of visitors enjoy these landscapes every year. I hope that anyone taking advantage of the exhilarating climbs and stunning scenery will support our fundraising appeal by making a donation, so that visitors can continue to make the most of our glorious countryside now and for years to come.”

Bob Brown, contracts officer said:

“It is fantastic that we have now completed our major works across the country. The upgrades that we have made to paths in places like Torridon and Kintail have improved things for walkers, but more importantly will help protect the fragile environments that exist at these high altitudes. Such eco-systems are highly susceptible to erosion, which our work will help to minimise.”