The Trust introduced charges for plastic bags in March to encourage customers to choose more environmentally friendly alternatives to carry home shopping from the Trust’s 49 retail outlets.

Since introducing the charges of five, ten and fifteen pence, the conservation charity says demand for plastic bags has decreased by over 80 per cent compared to the same period last year. In total, the Trust issued around 175,000 plastic bags in 2007.

The new approach has been successful in the last six months. As well as issuing fewer plastic bags, sales of sustainable jute and calico bags increased by more than 10 per cent.

The charity has long been aware of the issues around plastic bags – since 2003 its bags have been amongst the most environmentally friendly options available - totally non-toxic and biodegradable, breaking down within 18 months.

National Retail Manager for the Trust, Kevin McElroy said:

“As a conservation charity, we are very pleased with the results of our drive to encourage customers to ditch plastic bags and choose alternatives that are better for the environment. There has been a significant reduction in the number of Trust carrier bags being consigned to the rubbish heap, which is really good news.”
 

The conservation charity is now looking for tenants for its converted and conserved traditional mud building in Logie, Angus.

Logie Schoolhouse has been painstakingly restored as part of a project by the charity’s Little Houses Improvement Scheme and converted into a beautiful one bedroom home. The project received funding from Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government and Angus Council.

The schoolhouse, which dates from the 19th century, is one of the most complete surviving examples of mudwall buildings in Scotland. In the past it was used as a school and a church. It fell into disrepair and was ear-marked for demolition. However, after it was brought to their attention by a neighbour and the Community Council, Angus Council realised the importance of conserving this unusual building and developed a proposal to save it from demolition.

Conservation experts have now completed the painstaking process to restore the building to its former glory, both inside and out and are offering the property for rental, at a monthly cost of £350.

Buildings made from mud and clay were found across parts of the Angus and Kirriemuir area in the 19th century, but few remain.

Siân Loftus, Little Houses Improvement Scheme Manager said:

“This has been a fascinating project to be involved in. Seeing the building transform from a derelict building to a lovely home has been fantastic. The building is now ready to receive its first tenants and will become an important addition to the housing market in rural Angus.”

At Logie Schoolhouse the mudwalls are structural, though the material is concealed for the most part behind a protective lime harl finish externally and plaster and panelling internally.

Inside, the early decorative schemes have been reinstated, with traditional limewashes in warm colours in the main building and the mid-twentieth century colour scheme in the porch extension, making this a cosy, if unusual, home.

The house comprises a large open plan living, dining and kitchen area, one double bedroom, a bathroom, cloakroom and utility room. There is also a small garden area.

In line with the grant conditions of Scottish Government funding, the property is to provide affordable housing in the rural area. Prospective tenants should be employed or have a formal offer of employment in the local area (within a 10 mile radius of the Craigo) and be on low or modest income. Applications will be considered from people who are not in employment on the grounds of age or health. Such applicants will have lived in the area for more than one year or have family resident in the area.

Anyone interested in renting the property should contact:
John Hepburn-Wright
Manager, Commercial & Residential Properties
01463 732637
jhepburnwright@nts.org.uk

The property is open for viewing on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September from 12.30- 17.00. Anyone interested in attending should congregate at House of Dun, Montrose, where regular shuttle buses will provide transport to Logie.
 

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.”
 

Eric Knowles, from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Moorcroft director, was instrumental in arranging the donation of the beautiful Mackintosh-inspired vase by one of Moorcroft Pottery’s leading designers, Nicola Slaney. The vase is the prize in a raffle to raise funds for The Hill House in Helensburgh - the iconic property that was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Mr Knowles is a long-time supporter of The Hill House and describes it as being, “without a doubt the jewel in the crown of The National Trust for Scotland”.

The draw for the White Ladies vase takes place in December this year, so a lucky art-lover could see in the New Year in 2009 with the contemporary collector’s piece. The vase is worth in excess of £2000 and references Mackintosh’s famous Glasgow rose and art-nouveau female figures.

Mr Knowles said:

“I was very impressed with The White Ladies design, which instantly reminded me of Mackintosh’s ‘kimono’ cabinet in which these shrouded ladies appear. Designer Nicola Slaney has created a most fitting interpretation, in my opinion.”

Karen Fenwick, from the National Trust for Scotland’s The Hill House said:

“We are very fortunate to have such a strong supporter in the form of Mr Knowles. We really welcome his generous donation which will help us to raise extra income, so we can continue to ensure The Hill House and its valuable collections receive the top-quality care they deserve.”

Mr Knowles will visit The Hill House on 2 September to open “Moorcroft’s New Dawn: 111 years of Design Evolution”. This invitation only evening is the start of an exciting exhibition by the Moorcroft Collectors’ Club, which is open to the public from 3 September until 31 October and will cover pieces from 1897 to the present day.

The White Ladies Vase will be on show at The Hill House until 31st October. Raffle tickets cost £1 each and are exclusively available through The Hill House. Please visit or phone on 0844 493 2208.