The review will be led by the Rt Hon George Reid, the former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. Mr Reid has experience of chairing similar reviews in both the public and voluntary sectors.

The other members of the Steering Group, which will advise Mr Reid, are:

The Duke of Buccleuch: President of the National Trust for Scotland

Douglas Connell: Joint Senior Partner of Turcan Connell, Solicitors. Specialist in trust and charity law

Professor Susan Deacon: Professor of Social Change at Queen Margaret University and former Scottish Minister for Health

Sir Tom Farmer: Entrepreneur and philanthropist. Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Sir Brian Ivory: Former Chair of the Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland

Lesley Knox: A Governor of the Museum of London and chair of its Archaeology Committee. Chair of Alliance Trust

Angus MacDonald: Member of Council, National Trust for Scotland. Entrepreneur and charity fundraiser

Ian Percy: Former Chair of the Accounts Commission for Scotland. Has written extensively on governance issues

Martin Sime: Chief Executive of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations. Has recently completed a study on relations between Third Sector organisations and Government.

The Duke of Buccleuch said: “These are people who will bring real experience and authority to the Review. It is encouraging that they are prepared to give their time and talents to the future of the National Trust for Scotland”.

Mr Reid commented: “The Steering Group has four jobs to do. It has to sign off the Fit for Purpose methodology of the review. It has to prioritise the Issues facing the Trust as these emerge from widespread consultation. Then it has to look at the Options before moving on to Recommendations. And, throughout the process, I am delighted that I can draw on their experience in finance and audit, heritage, outreach and governance.”

Chief Executive Kate Mavor added: “I am delighted that the trust is now focused on the future, and that the Review will examine key issues of finance and governance.”

Mr Reid has been commissioned by the Trust’s Council:

To conduct a strategic review of NTS resources and governance in order to assess the organisation’s capability to address current and future challenges
To do so independently and transparently, taking into account the views of all stakeholders
To report by end June 2010, making recommendations and providing an outline plan and timetable for implementation.
 

Check out the latest news at www.nts.org.uk/About/The-Review/
 

The National Trust for Scotland who own the Kirriemuir cottage where the writer was born and spent his early years are giving couples the chance to get married at the desk where Peter Pan was penned.

The special access is part of a programme of special events being planned by the conservation charity to mark the 150th anniversary of J.M. Barrie’s birth.

Born on 9 May 1860, J.M. Barrie began developing his skills as a storyteller at the cottage on Brechin Road, entertaining his mother with tales and books.

Couples who are keen on literature can choose to hold a small, intimate ceremony at the desk where J.M. Barrie created the story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up, or to be married in the cottage’s wonderful garden with Peter Pan watching over them.

The venue is also available for christenings throughout 2010.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“We are preparing for a very special anniversary next year, celebrating the 150th anniversary of J.M. Barrie’s birth. Since he was a man who created some of the most magical stories the world has known, we thought this unique venue would bring some added fairy dust to these very special family occasions.”

Wedding and christening packages at J.M Barrie’s birthplace cottage in Kirriemuir are available from £250.

For more information and bookings, contact John McKenna on 0844 493 2144.