April hosts a diverse range of artists at the conservation charity's popular Royal Mile Gallery.

Reinventing Cultural Iconography - 30 March – 4 April 2010

Organised by Delicartessen.co.uk

This exhibition brings young Scottish and Spanish artists together to present a visual vocabulary that, despite the artists’ diverse cultural background and geographical distance, can sometimes meet halfway.

Shoes, horses, bulls, dancers, musicians, castles are some of the emblematic and powerful images that seem to survive the passing of time but are continually reinvented and reinterpreted through art.

With the support of the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh.


Edinburgh College of Art collective - 6 - 11 Apr


A collective group from the Edinburgh College of Art will be exhibiting a variety of media. The artists included are:

Christiane Kelegher, whose work aims to achieve a fantasy-type narrative through my examination of peoples’ perceptions of imagination and reality. She enjoys creating ink-block type drawings using a stylised approach and incorporating them with photography and film. Currently, her interest lies in the concepts behind “portals”- rather the methods and ways in which we create links between our own imaginary realms and our real world experiences and comparing this between the movement from dark to light and vice versa.

Kirsty Ross's photography is stripped back to its most basic level - is controlled light chemically fixed to photographic paper visually exploring the way a photographic image is created both with and without a camera. Her work falls between analogue and digital processing.

Jenne Stanfield is interested in the idea that everything in the world was made up of smaller units. These smaller units, like atoms, could be connected together to form molecules which in turn could form inanimate matter like metal and stone or form the basic materials of living cells. A recurring theme throughout the work is repetition of miniature shapes that can be connected together to create larger forms. Jenne finds the production of repetitive shapes, which form the basis of the work so far, very therapeutic and find it satisfying to produce work that is very minimal, which has to be clean, precise and orderly.

Catherine MacRobbie’s work combines subtle painterly styles with figurative themes introduced through biomechanical drawing, medical illustration and extreme body performance. Monochromatic paintings permeated with ambiguity, luminosity and texture reflected through delicately depicted fabric and flesh. Intimate scenes and difficult images coalesce with anatomical and mechanical diagram.


Jen Nelson's main line of enquiry is “walking in the rural and urban landscape”. Investigation and research is based upon the fundamental act of walking in site specific locations across Scotland. The artist is interested in how we individually observe, engage and respond whilst walking and uses a range of media for exploration within my work including, film, photography, drawing, installation and performance.

Sylvia von Hartmann R.S.W’ exhibition of prints, 13 - 18 April

This retrospective exhibition brings together a cross-section of the work of this well established and popular Edinburgh based artist. In a range of printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography and screen-printing, von Harmann addresses the themes that have pre-occupied her since her student days at the Edinburgh College of Art.

This exhibition varies from the early, more figurative works to the recent emphasis on plants, especially flowers to small animals and house-loved objects.

Von Hartmanns’ work engages with the profound themes of memory and dreams, growth and decay – all under the guise of seemingly private narrative, surreal domesticity and decorative flourish.

Her accomplished draftsmanship, fine sense of colour and quirky compositions always enchant and delight, while quietly inviting contemplation.
 

Fife’s budding gardeners can learn the arts of pruning and grafting with two specialist courses at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culross on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March.

On Saturday, attendees will learn how to prune fruit trees and bushes. There will also be a talk about the basics of pruning and how to achieve the best results. And there will be an option to practice on trees in the Palace garden.

The Sunday course, meanwhile, will revolve around grafting. After a short talk on history and theory of grafting, there will again be a practical demonstration of the art. Attendees are welcome to take away their own grafts, and to plant them in their gardens!

Mark Jeffery, Head Gardener at Culross, said:

“Culross Palace boasts some of Fife’s most beautiful gardens, and it is thanks to the efforts of our staff that we are able to maintain them to such a high standard. I am delighted that they will be teaching others the tricks of the trade, so that Fife’s knowledge of gardening may continue to grow.”

The courses run on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March and each cost £25 day. Booking is essential, and can be carried out by contacting the property on 0844 4932189.
 

Balmacara Estate are currently advertising for a two person Rhododendron Control Team to range over the estate controlling this invasive plant using the “Lever and Mulch” method primarily, with stem injection for those very large or stubborn plants.
We have a large amount of Rhododendron ponticum scattered through parts of the Estate particularly around Kyle of Lochalsh and Plockton. Seeds that were spread in recent decades from core stands tackled through the Millennium Forest for Scotland project have grown up in the landscape around and are now seeding themselves, thus producing a new generation.
This method of levering the stem from the roots, taking all the buds away, prevents the plant from regenerating, the mulch prevents seedlings from growing beneath it. The ingenious, yet simple hammer element makes sure that small and sometimes even large plants come out roots and all making the method ideal for areas of both dense and scattered plants with little or no use of chemicals and no fires or chainsaws.
The team, together with the Estate Conservation Officer, will be trained comprehensively in the Lever and Mulch method supplemented by in house training in other methods with the benefit of the team’s skills being available to other landowners and projects after this initial twelve week project.
It is hoped that the training will take place in April and spare places may be available, contact Barbara Macritchie (Bmacritchie@ts.org.uk)if you are interested in gaining this new skill.  

Applications are now open for practical gardening courses at two of the National Trust for Scotland’s historic properties.

A limited number of places are available for the Craftsman Gardener Award at Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway, while a single place is available for the Organic Garden Student Placement at Kellie Castle Garden, Fife.

These opportunities would suit students already undertaking National Diploma, Higher National Diploma or Degree courses in horticulture who wish to develop their practical skills to support theoretical studies. Both courses begin in September 2010.

Head of Gardens Robert Grant said:

“For anyone with a serious interest in horticulture, our courses provide some of the most valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of historic gardening. I look forward to applications to both the programmes, so that we can continue producing excellent gardeners for the future.”

Whilst entry qualifications are flexible and dependant on the individual circumstances of applicants, it is essential that potential students are currently taking or have completed a course in further or higher education or have demonstrable practical experience in amenity gardening.

The closing date for applicants is Friday 26 February. For more information and to download an application form, visit the website at www.nts.org.uk/Gardens/.  

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is playing its part in cultivating thriving gardens across the nation, by hosting a garden conservation masterclass at 28 Charlotte Square on Thursday 11 March.

Chaired by David Mitchell, a curator at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh the full day event will feature the Trust’s own gardens experts, providing an overview and insight into the issues of managing heritage gardens in the 21st century.

The Trust’s Head of Gardens Robert Grant will discuss “Unearthing the Roots of a Historic Garden”, while Garden Historian Christopher Dingwall will give advice on “Understanding and Valuing Significance”. Garden Adviser Ann Steele, meanwhile, will talk on “Heritage Protection at a Time of Major Threat”.

The programme continues through the afternoon, with former Plant Collections Adviser Benedict Lyte talking on “Understanding Plant Heritage” and Archaeologist Dr Shannon Fraser talking on “Locating the 17th Century Designed Landscape”. Finally, Gardens Adviser Melissa Simpson will talk on the “Tools of the Trade” for heritage gardening.

Robert Grant, Head of Garden Services at the Trust, said:

“The Trust is a key player in cultivating and maintaining Scotland’s historic gardens, and has a wealth of experience to share. This event is an excellent showcase for the work we do in tending some of Scotland’s most important historic landscapes. By sharing our knowledge and expertise, we hope to play our part in ensuring Scotland’s gardens continue to grow and give pleasure for years to come.”

Funds from the masterclass will support the beneficiaries of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which raises money both for its own beneficiaries and for charities nominated by garden owners.

The event runs from 9.45 to 15.30 on Thursday 11 March at Wemyss House, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. Tickets cost £45, with lunch included in the price, and cheques should be made out to the National Trust for Scotland. To make a booking, contact Veronica Barrington on 0844 493 2431/ vbarrington@nts.org.uk.
 

George Reid posts his lateset report on progress of the Strategic Review.

View the report here: www.nts.org.uk/About/The-Review/Information/

Related Files

• January Report (PDF - 285.51 KB)

 

The cross-cultural links between symbolism and emotion will be explored at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Gallery between Tuesday 30 March and Sunday 4 April.

Reinventing Cultural Iconography, which is supported by the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh, features work from Scottish and Spanish artists that highlights a shared symbolism in underlying visual themes. While the artists hail from different cultural and geographical landscapes, their imagery of objects such as shoes, musicians and bulls retain a constant meaning.

The exhibition also explores the act of expression where symbols are culturally charged. With castles painted by Spanish artists and bulls by Scots, visitors will have the opportunity to see how common themes emerge through the symbols, as well as the effect culture has on their interpretation. Contemporary reinterpretations of Velázquez’s Las Meninas are also among the Spanish works displayed, illustrating a further dialogue between symbol and expression.

The event runs from Tuesday 30 March to Sunday 4 April at the Gladstone’s Land Gallery. Admission to the gallery is free.

For more information about the event organisers, visit their website at www.delicartessen.co.uk/.
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust of Scotland has today confirmed the appointment of the current Deputy Chairman, Dick Balharry as interim Chairman.

He succeeds Shonaig Macpherson, who stepped down today.

Mr Balharry has been a member of the Board of the conservation charity since October 2008. He will act as interim Chairman of the Trust’s Board and Council, until a permanent successor is appointed.

Dick said:

“Following in the footsteps of our outgoing Chairman is not going to be an easy task. However, it is an honour to be asked and a challenge I am prepared to undertake. The obligations, commitments and responsibilities that Council and the Board need to discharge are demanding and vital to the progress of the Trust. Working with dedicated staff, members and volunteers, I look forward to contributing to sustaining and improving the national cultural and natural treasures we all love.”

Paying tribute to Shonaig Macpherson, the President of the National Trust for Scotland, the Duke of Buccleuch, said:

“Shonaig Macpherson has worked with utter dedication and tireless energy on behalf of the Trust. It is to her great credit that the Trust’s financial position has been stabilised and the question of the Trust’s long term sustainability is now being addressed.”
 

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland is reporting unprecedented interest in its 2010 volunteer holidays.

Last year, nearly 350 volunteers signed up for the Trust’s popular Thistle Camp programme, grabbing the chance to get hands on conservation experience in some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote locations, including Burg, Torridon and Rockcliffe.

As the charity prepares to open bookings for its 2010 batch of outdoor adventures, it has already received hundreds of queries from holidaymakers keen to get involved in conservation, and anticipates fierce competition for places.

And this year, the charity is expanding the number of places and offering some exciting new experiences for campers, like undertaking archaeological work at Culzean Castle and Country Park in Ayrshire and the opportunity to work in the shadow of some of Aberdeenshire’s most impressive castles and country houses.

The Trust is also extending the number of Thistle Camps running on Iona to give more people the chance to experience life on this beautiful island, learn more about its heritage and history and contribute to its conservation.

National Volunteering Manager Violet Dalton said:

“Every year our Thistle Camps grow in popularity and we are expecting 2010 to be a bumper season. Already, we’ve had hundreds of enquiries about the exciting programme we’ll be offering throughout the year.

“Our campers tell us that these ‘holidays with a difference’ are really rewarding, giving them the chance to enjoy new places and people and to make a real contribution to conserving Scotland’s heritage. Maybe that is why so many people come back again and again.

“And it’s great for the Trust too – we can spread the word about our charity and its work, get people involved and carry on with our vital conservation work to protect and promote Scotland’s heritage.”

Thistle Camps run from March through to October. They take place in locations all over Scotland and give volunteers the chance to get hands on with heritage work. Camps focus on a wide range of conservation work, from archaeology to fence repair and footpath building. Most camps offer basic accommodation and prices start at £60 for a one week camp.

The new brochure will be launched online on 18 January 2010 - www.nts.org.uk/ThistleCamps

Highlights for 2010 include:

CULZEAN CASTLE, Ayrshire - archaeology
Sat 11 – Sat 18 September

Culzean is a romantic 18th-century castle rising majestically from its clifftop location, with superb panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde. It has superb formal gardens, with around 600 acres of woodland and boasting 3 miles of varied coastline. There is an abundance of wildlife on the estate including deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, badgers and hares.

Aerial photography has revealed traces of a large ditched enclosure in Upper Whitestone field at Culzean. Field walking has also recovered pieces of flint, shreds of pottery and three complete Neolithic stone axes. The crop mark enclosure is likely to be of later prehistoric date but every year the field gets ploughed which may be damaging the site.

This Thistle Camp will locate and excavate a series of trial trenches to test the extent, nature, and preservation of the archaeology. It is hoped that artefacts and suitable samples will be recovered which will allow the site to be dated. The excavation will involve a lot of heavy shovelling to remove topsoil and possibly part of the ditch fill.

IONA, Inner Hebrides
Sat 26 June – Sat 3 July

With its spectacular landscape of white sandy beaches, dramatic changing light and stunning views, Iona has long been a spiritual site. It was here that St Columba arrived from Ireland to spread Christianity to Scotland in 563 AD, and it is believed the Book of Kells was created here. Its beauty and serenity now draw Christian pilgrims and secular visitors alike.

The current inhabitants, numbering approximately 140, work in crofting, fishing, tourism and at the Abbey. While Iona was gifted to the Trust in 1973, the Abbey and other sacred buildings are managed by Historic Scotland. During the week you will be helping the upkeep of the island with a variety of tasks, probably including footpath work, painting benches, rebuilding a footbridge and repairing drystane dykes. Specific tasks will be decided nearer the time.

 

The New Year has brought a radical life change one Scottish-based couple - for Amanda McFadden and Aart Lastdrager have this week started a new life on the tiny Island of Canna.

The couple has been selected to run the café which caters for residents and visitors to the Inner Hebridean island which is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

The chance to live and work on the island which has a population of 18 was advertised in September. The couple was chosen from a shortlist of four to take on the exciting opportunity.

Amanda (38) and Aart (40) are both experienced caterers who will bring a wealth of experience and some international inspiration to the Canna café menu. In recent times they have been working in the acclaimed restaurant at the Kingairloch Estate on Scotland’s West Coast.

Amanda, who was born in Glasgow, has cooked in restaurants across Scotland and Europe. Dutch-born Aart is an experienced gardener and chef with a particular flair for baking.

The couple plan to make Canna produce presented with imagination and simplicity the focus of their menu at the café. Aart’s amazing sticky toffee pudding is sure to establish itself as a favourite amongst the clientele.

Amanda said:

“We have always wanted to run our own business and were looking for a place to put down some roots. This opportunity looked perfect for us, as we crave space and there is certainly plenty of that on offer on Canna. We’re also looking forward to mucking in and playing an important part in a community.”

Aart said:

“This is such an amazing opportunity. I feel so privileged to be able to work and live on such a wild and remote place as Canna, especially coming from a country which is almost cultivated to the last square inch.

“The last few years have been an amazing learning curve and gave us the confidence that we are so ready to create our own little place and give the island and its guests a unique place to eat.”

The Canna Community Council led the search for the new residents. Secretary Deb Baker, who moved to Canna from Wales in 2008 said:

“The community is very pleased with the appointment of Aart and Amanda to run the café on the island. They impressed us not only with their catering skills and experience but also with their positive and realistic attitude towards living in a small community such as this. We are sure that their ideas and enthusiasm will help make the business a success and that the café will prove to be a draw for visitors to the island."
 

Staff at Culzean Castle in Ayrshire have been welcoming visitors of a different kind this week – for large numbers of rare birds have been stopping by to feed in the grounds.

Flocks of winter migrants such as fieldfares and redwings have been spotted around the castle in recent days, and the bad weather has encouraged woodcocks to emerge from the forest.

“Woodcocks are normally very shy and are most active at night, so we very rarely see them,” said Deirdre Mackinnon, senior ranger at Culzean. “The wintry weather appears to be making them bolder and we are seeing a fair number of them along grass verges in the park at the moment.”

And Dr Richard Luxmoore, senior nature conservation adviser with the Trust, believes the Culzean sightings may be part of a national trend.

“Woodcocks will almost certainly be easier to spot at the moment as they will be having trouble feeding in frozen ground.”

The Scottish Government has announced a temporary ban on shooting duck, geese and other wild birds – including woodcock - earlier this week as the cold snap hits their feeding and migration patterns.  

A pair of intrepid volunteers have shrugged off Arctic conditions this week to take up their posts as gardeners at the House of Dun near Montrose.

Wessell Hartman from Holland and Rachael Tilling from Edinburgh both made their journeys to the property on Tuesday 5th January – one of the worst days of snowfall for 30 years.

“The weather was absolutely atrocious,” said property manager John McKenna, “and it is an amazing endorsement of Wessell and Rachel’s commitment to the Trust that they would have set out on their journey in those conditions.”

Wessel and Rachel a will be working on a 15-week project to restore the woodland garden in The Den of Dun. The project will involve clearing footpaths, conserving a historic stone bridge and planting of new trees and shrubbery.

Wessel who is studying landscape management at college in Den Bosch said: “I have been offered the placement at House of Dun as part of my course and have been delighted to accept. The journey from Holland took 15 hours but nothing would have stopped me getting here. I’m really excited about the projects I will be working on during my stay.”

And Rachel, who has a diploma in historic building conservation, is also delighted to have made it through the storm: “I have just returned from Australia so traveling to the House of Dun in such adverse conditions was a bit of a shock -however I’m very much looking forward to starting work as soon as I have thawed out!”
 

George Reid posts his lateset report on progress of the Strategic Review.

View the report here: www.nts.org.uk/About/The-Review/Information/
 

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s Priorwood Garden in Melrose are battling to save its famous orchard from being damaged by the snow.

The orchard, which grows a wide range of historic apple varieties - some dating back to the medieval period – has been affected badly by weather conditions in the Borders this week.

“Snow is now laying nearly a foot deep on some of the rare trees and hedges at the garden,” said property manager Paul Gibson, “and we’ve been out yesterday and today trying to knock as much snow off the branches as possible.

“Our big fear is that the growing weight of snow will break the branches - and with sub zero conditions predicted in the coming days, we know we must act quickly to prevent further build up.”

The three-strong team of staff at the property have also been working to knock snow off around 500 feet of boxwood hedging and a newly planted yew hedging.  

Adverse weather conditions mean that some properties are currently closed. Please check before travelling.

More information is available on individual property pages.