The overall aim of the review is to ensure that the Trust’s operations are managed in a sustainable way and that the heritage the Trust cares for is secured for future generations.

The new Leadership Team will comprise:
Visitor Services Director - overall charge of delivering conservation and visitor objectives through properties – Michael Hunter.
Finance Director - overall responsibility for Finance and other key support functions – Lesley Watt
Director of Development - responsible for raising funds and working with supporters on a one to one basis – Lorna Stoddart.
Director of Commercial Services & Marketing – Henk Berits

Three other roles, to be advertised are:
Conservation Services Director - responsible for supporting the properties through projects and advices
Director of HR and Change - responsible for HR, volunteers and managing the changes ahead
Corporate Affairs Manager

Commenting on the appointments, Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of NTS said,

“The new Leadership Team will help to lead the NTS through this period of change. We are determined to have the right people in place to deliver the necessary changes in the way the Trust operates.”

“Our foremost priority must be to get the Trust’s in better shape both from a structural and financial perspective in order to help to create a more sustainable National Trust for Scotland.”
 

With the recent arrival of its chief executive Mark Adderley, the National Trust for Scotland is in the early stages of a reorganisation and a review of its operations. The aim of this review is to ensure the National Trust for Scotland has a more sustainable future as Scotland’s leading conservation charity.

Over the last 12 months, the Trust has been looking at how it can work more effectively and is now acting to improve how it manages its resources to achieve its conservation aims.

The Trust aims to reduce its annual costs by approximately £3million over the next three years. As staff costs represent approx 50% of total costs, this will reduce the overall staffing numbers.

The Trust has begun consultation on the reorganisation but cannot provide an exact number of posts that are likely to be affected. We have indicated to staff that the overall number is likely to be 60-80.

With the review being at an early stage, it is not possible for us to provide any further details at this stage, but we will make more information available at the earliest opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Trust's properties across the country are open for everyone to enjoy. One of the best ways you can help the Trust to continue its conservation work is by joining as a member and visiting our gardens, houses, castles and countryside. For more information on the benefits of membership, please follow this link www.nts.org.uk/Join/Benefits
 

This weekend there is a unique opportunity for couples planning their big day to view one of the North East’s most popular wedding venues and discuss their requirements and plans with the experienced Castle Fraser staff as the castle holds its Wedding Consultation Weekend on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May.

Many couples choose to hold their wedding at Castle Fraser each year and now there is a chance to see how the rooms at the castle would look when it comes to the big day.

Caterers will display sample layouts, with Anne Armstrong setting out the dining room and Hudsons presenting layouts in the Great Hall.

Floral decorations will also be on show from Hays of Banchory and Val Morrison to demonstrate how floral displays can add to the unique castle atmosphere and ambiance.

Prospective couples will be welcomed at the castle with a complimentary drink supplied by Sainsbury’s and canapés from the Castle Fraser tearoom. Deeside Truffles will also be in attendance to display their product.

On Sunday, Carriages will exhibit their wedding cars and services to help couples select their transport for the big day.

This is the perfect weekend to see how Castle Fraser can make your wedding such a special day, as it has done for so many couples over the last few years.

Holding weddings and other functions at National Trust for Scotland properties directly contributes funds to conserve these important parts of Scotland’s heritage.

For further information please contact Castle Fraser on 0844 493 2164
 

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has unveiled plans for the new visitor centre at Culloden which marks the importance of Gaelic.

According to Project Co-ordinator, Alexander Bennett, the new centre will be an exemplar of how the language can be used and promoted as an important and distinctive component of Scotland’s cultural heritage.

“The Battle of Culloden signalled the end of the clan system and the continued repression of the Gaelic language. Given the high proportion of Gaelic speakers who fought on both sides at the Battle, we felt it was important that Gaelic play a pivotal role in the interpretation of Culloden.

“Plans for the new centre are groundbreaking and will offer both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speaking visitors a unique and stimulating experience and opportunity to engage with the language. Both in the new centre and on the restored battlefield visitors will be surrounded by Gaelic. You’ll be able to hear and read it and Gaelic music will feature strongly throughout the new centre.

“Visitors will also be able to follow the story of Gaelic-speaking characters who were involved in the events of Culloden and the aftermath and take a Gaelic tour of the battlefield.

The plans to promote Gaelic at Culloden also include developing a Gaelic education programme which will be launched with the new centre next year.

The NTS has been working closely with a number of Gaelic organisations to develop a strategy to promote the use of Gaelic at Culloden and has built up a productive relationship with Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Allan Campbell, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been pleased to be involved with NTS in the planning of the Gaelic content of the new visitor centre at Culloden, and it applauds the recognition that has correctly been accorded to the language in the new visitor experience.

“The Bòrd congratulates NTS for its innovative approach to the exhibition design, and it looks forward to the opening of a world class facility with Gaelic at its core. It is particularly pleasing to welcome the educational resource which the new centre and the exhibition will provide for the benefit of people of all ages.”
 

Following a fashion show held at the castle in the 60s, the jacket was accidentally mixed up with the catwalk clothes and vanished.

Gordon Nelson, Collections Care Officer at Culzean comments: "We're delighted to have the jacket back on display at Culzean Castle. Presumably the person that had the jacket has died. The jacket itself is similar to a desert jacket with brass buttons showing the presidential crest. Whoever had the jacket looked after it very well indeed as it's in excellent condition."