NEWS

Aberdeen pupils got the conservation bug today thanks to a National Trust for Scotland and BAA Scotland partnership.

Pupils from Bankhead Academy in Aberdeen were the first to benefit from a new scheme that gives young people a chance to discover how much fun conservation work can be.

Ten youngsters came along to Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire and got to work on the castle grounds, clearing invasive species and maintaining the famous gardens.

Mark Adderley, Chief Executive for the National Trust for Scotland said:

"The Trust's work is all about conservation and we really appreciate the work of our volunteers of all ages. We're preserving the best of Scotland's natural and built environment for future generations, so it's great to get more people involved.

"As a charity, we rely on support of individuals and organisations like BAA, and we look forward to working with them on this important initiative. I hope that these events spark a lifelong passion for conservation in these young people, as well as a long relationship with the Trust."

Kevin Brown, managing director of Aberdeen Airport said:

"We are extremely proud to be working with the National Trust for Scotland to deliver a project that empowers young people, increases their essential skills and builds their confidence. This is one of many community initiatives we support around Scotland and we are confident that it will make a real difference to the young people, and communities around our airports."  

Threave Garden, Castle Douglas is gearing up for Spring, and it is a great time to visit.

The winter months have been packed with renovation and garden maintenance work, getting the garden and grounds in great shape for the new growing season.

While winter is still here, there are indoor options - why not take a walk through the display glasshouses, inhale the heady aromas of the hyacinths or sample something more exotic in the recently refurbished tropical house. You can also tickle your tastebuds with some home baking from the restaurant.

Brain Corr, Head Gardener at Threave said:

“We’re well into preparations for the spring. Planting, pruning, cutting back, seed sowing, potting up, glasshouse cleaning and digging are all in progress, as well as clearing up of any damage caused by strong winds over the winter.

“It’s a great time to visit the garden. Buds are appearing on shrubs and trees and the earliest spring bulbs are making an appearance too.

“We’ve also got an exciting addition to the garden this year – a pirate ship for our youngest visitors. There's a lovely pond and waterfall that’s been funded by the Galloway member’s group too.”
 

Archaeological excavations at the National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle Estate, Aberdeenshire have revealed exciting evidence for the early 17th century gardens which once surrounded the castle.

A team of professional and volunteer archaeologists, led by Murray Archaeological Services Ltd, uncovered foundations of very substantial walls and areas of paving, clear evidence of landscaping work carried out in the 1770s, medieval ceramics, including glazed floor tiles and pottery fragments and 17th and 18th century wine bottles, fine tableware and clay pipe fragments.

The gardens, which have lain hidden under green lawns for nearly 250 years, were probably established in the early 1600s, when a palace wing was added to Drum Castle.

Dr Shannon Fraser, Archaeologist for the National Trust for Scotland said:

“This is a very exciting discovery. The garden features being revealed at Drum are among the oldest in the National Trust for Scotland’s care and will provide important new information about a relatively little-understood period of Scottish garden history.

“Indeed, until now very little has been known about Drum’s early gardens, aside from some references by the 17th century historian John Spalding and in estate account books in the mid 1700s. We do know that they were finally entirely swept away in the later 18th century, when it became fashionable for country houses to be surrounded by lawns.

“These findings add to our knowledge of Drum, its gardens and an important and fascinating period of history.”
 

Britain’s rarest freshwater fish, the vendace, is thriving at Loch Skene in Dumfries and Galloway, under the management of the National Trust for Scotland.

A recent report by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage, found almost ten times as many vendace per hectare in the loch compared to Derwent Water, Cumbria - their only remaining native UK site.

The fish were introduced to Loch Skene in the nineties following concerns about habitat deterioration at Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria. No vendace have been recorded at Bassenthwaite since 2001.

Dan Watson, Property Manager at Grey Mare’s Tail said:

“It is good to know that this rare fish is doing so well here. This fish has been badly hit by pollution and predation from inappropriate fish introductions in other lakes in the country and can only be found in a couple of locations these days. The Trust is pleased to manage one of its last strongholds in Britain and to be working in partnership on this important conservation project.”

Ian J Winfield of CEH said:

"Although our overall aim is the conservation of rare fish species such as the vendace in their native habitats, the use of refuge sites such as Loch Skene is an invaluable approach to avoid the complete loss of a population and its genetic diversity. My hope is that one day we will be able to use the vendace population of Loch Skene as a source for fish to be reintroduced to a restored Bassenthwaite Lake."
 

Still struggling for ideas on how to make your Mother’s Day really special this coming Sunday?
Take a look at what the National Trust for Scotland has to offer.

Around Glasgow, there are loads of lovely ways to spend time with your mum.

Why not enjoy afternoon tea and admire the art collections at Pollok House or take trip back in time with a visit to Glasgow’s Tenement House.

If you are after gift ideas, the Trust can help you there too. Hutcheson’s Hall gift shop (open Thursday and Friday) has a range of quality presents that mothers will love. Membership to the National Trust for Scotland makes a great gift too.

Robert Ferguson, Buildings and Gardens Group Manager for Glasgow, said:

“The Trust’s beautiful Glasgow properties make great venues to visit on Mother’s Day. Whether you’re after tea and cakes, a walk round the lovely grounds at Pollok House or exploring the history of tenement life, it’s a great way to spend time together.”
 

The international search for two young people whose ancestors fought on either side of the battle of Culloden is still underway. The National Trust for Scotland is looking for two youngsters with connections to the battle to help with the official opening of its new visitor centre.

Twelve young people, from as far a field as Exeter, have already done their homework, traced their ancestors and submitted their entries to the Trust’s competition to officially open the new Culloden visitor centre on 16 April.

There is still time for young people of school age to find out if their ancestors fought at Culloden. The closing date for entries is 19 March.

BBC’s Nick Barratt, of the TV series ‘Who do you think you are?’ is encouraging youngsters to get involved and will be helping to judge competition entries to identify the lucky two.

The Trust's Culloden project co-ordinator and Countryside and Islands Group Manager for the Highlands and Islands, Alexander Bennett said:
“We’d love to find two young people who have a family link to the battle and get them involved in officially opening our fantastic new visitor’s centre at Culloden.
“We’ve been impressed with the entries received so far and are keen to encourage even more schoolchildren to look into their past, see what they discover and tell us all about it.
“We’re not just looking for Scottish descendants, you could be anywhere in the world. If you think you have an ancestor who fought in the battle, there’s still time to get online, get researching and tell the Trust all about it.”
So were you there in 1746? Anyone of school age who would like to take part in the competition should send their family tree by email to the NTS at cullodenlegacy@nts.org.uk or by post to "Search for Culloden's legacy "  

Some of Scotland’s oldest and rarest books, paintings and textiles will survive for future generations thanks to the expertise of conservators at the National Trust for Scotland.

Experts from the Trust are sharing their collections conservation knowledge with colleagues and volunteers across Scotland at a training event today. The aim is to help co-workers understand the principles and best practice of protecting and conserving the Trust’s treasures, so that they last for hundreds more years.

Professor Norman Tennent, a research fellow from the University of Glasgow is also delivering a talk to staff on the ethics and principles underlying the repair of materials as diverse as building stone or a fragile textile.

Clare Meredith, Head of Collections Conservation Services said:

“As Scotland’s leading conservation charity the preservation and protection of the Trust’s collections is at the heart of what we do. We are responsible for collections of exceptional significance and variety displayed in their original context at the Trust’s properties and we must ensure that they receive the highest quality of care, so that they can continue to be enjoyed for centuries more.”
 

An internationally renowned painting owned by the National Trust for Scotland charity has returned to Britain after a trip to Texas.

The spectacular portrait Colonel, the Hon William Gordon (1736 - 1816) is one of the charity’s most famous pieces and normally hangs in pride of place in Fyvie Castle, Turriff.

Painted in 1766 by Italian master Pompeo Batoni, the portrait has been on loan to the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas, as part of a major exhibition celebrating the artist’s work. The painting is now back on British soil and will be on display at the National Gallery, London from 20 February to 18 May.

Katrina Thomson, Head of Collections, Archives and Library Services for the Trust oversaw the arrangements for shipping the priceless artwork overseas.

She said:

“Batoni’s portrait of Colonel Gordon is one of the best-loved works in the Trust’s collections. It’s considered by many to be among the most remarkable eighteenth-century portraits of a Scot. We’re delighted to have been able to contribute to this important exhibition in two of the greatest galleries in the UK and the United States, and to give visitors from far afield a taste of Fyvie’s many artistic treasures.”

The portrait will return to Fyvie Castle in time for the start of the summer season.
 

Advice for Scotland’s gardeners was offered today by the National Trust for Scotland charity, in the light of recent outbreaks of a disease that can affect the likes of rhododendron and viburnum.

Some user-friendly tips were issued, as was detailed guidance on how to deal with Phytophthora ramorum, also known as Sudden Oak Death, for gardens, plant sales and established gardens.

The disease has so far been found in just four Scottish Gardens, including two examples at the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden and Inverewe Garden but affects many places in England and Wales. A similar disease, called Phytophthora kernoviae, has also been detected in one non-Trust garden. Today the Trust brought together specialists to discuss the disease and offer guidance.

The charity has played a leading role in addressing the problem of Phytophthora ramorum, ever since it was detected at Arduaine last October. The Trust has been working closely with SGRPID, the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate, on how best to manage the disease.

Today, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Trust brought together its own gardening specialists from popular properties throughout Scotland, government authorities, the (English) National Trust and some private gardens, to share detailed practical knowledge.

Organised by the Trust’s Gardens and Designed Landscapes Services team, the day offered a special training session on the problems of dealing with Phytophthora ramorum. Jan Haenraets, Head of Gardens and Designed Landscapes Services said:

“We felt it important to bring some of the specialists together today to raise awareness and share our first hand knowledge and best practice, looking at the problem from both a gardens and countryside perspective. In a collaborative effort with SGRPID and Scottish Natural Heritage, we hope we can improve how we deal with the problem in Scotland for all organisations.

“But we also wanted to offer the public some useful advice, for the many keen gardeners at home and enthusiasts who visit our gardens. The disease is still not widely understood so it’s important to get things into perspective and look at the problem in a very practical way. We hope our key tips help Scotland’s home gardeners better understand the plant disease.”

Ann Steele, Gardens and Designed Landscapes Adviser for the Trust added,

“This disease is still very rare in Scotland but it’s been a problem in England, so gardeners should watch out if woody plants seem to die quickly, keep gardens and tools clean, buy your plants from a trusted source and if you’re concerned, contact your local SGRPID office. There are images of diseased plants available online at the SGRPID and DEFRA websites, so that’s a useful reference for concerned gardeners too.

“Gardens that have been affected by the disease must display a notice that advises visitors of this fact but don’t be put off visiting a garden where an outbreak has occurred. Just make sure you stay on the paths, follow the signs and please don’t take any leaves or cuttings away with you when you leave.”

Here is the National Trust for Scotland’s advice:

1. Keep up to date with current notifications via the DEFRA or SGRPID websites:
www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pramorum.htm
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/plant/17937/Phytophtras/Introonphytophthorasramor
2.If woody plants seem to die quickly, check to see if they are amongst susceptible genera, e.g. Viburnum, Rhododendron, Erica, and Pieris etc.
3.In areas where outbreaks have occurred, ensure gardens are kept clean – remove leaf debris and burn
4.Keep tools clean and disinfected to prevent disease spread
5.Remove soil from shoes and boots with soap and water
6.Buy your plants from a trusted resource and ensure they adhere to the plant passport scheme, ensuring the plants have been grown in safe, clean and hygienic conditions
7.Contact your local SGRPID office if you have any concerns with plants, but try to check with guides first
8.If visiting areas where outbreaks have occurred, make sure you take no leaves of illicit cuttings from the garden and keep dogs under control on short leads
9. The best advice is to be aware, keep an eye on your plants and follow the normal good husbandry that all gardeners work to
 

One of Leith’s finest buildings is set to be restored to its former glory under plans that will also re-open a medieval close and revive the original character of Lamb’s House setting. The redevelopment of the 17th century grade A listed building has moved a step closer with the final plans now submitted.

The proposal takes into account feedback from a public consultation exercise last year and aims to further the long-term regeneration of the area.

The project will see Lamb’s House sensitively restored by The EDI Group (EDI) to its original use as housing, with a total of nine residential units, together with a small office suite and on-site car parking. The turn-pike stair will be returned to use and much of the detail of the interior including fireplaces, exposed joisted ceilings and ceiling panels will be conserved.

A new building set at right angles to Lambs House will help revive the original character of Leith by reinstating views down Waters Close to the Shore. A landscaped public courtyard and panels charting the history of the building are also part of the plans.

EDI, selected by the National Trust for Scotland as their development partners, are working closely with the charity and with award-winning design practice, Cadell2 Wiszniewski Thomson architects on the plans.

David McAllister, the Trust’s Group Manager of Buildings & Gardens for Edinburgh & East, said: “These plans will bring this much-loved building back into everyday use. As owner, sponsor and joint applicant, the Trust is fully supportive of the proposal including the new builds which will enhance the setting and improve understanding of Lamb’s House. EDI has an excellent track record of sensitive re-development of historic sites, so we know this important building is in safe hands.”

John Mark Di Ciacca, EDI’s Director of Development, said: “EDI wants to see Edinburgh historic sites being enjoyed by the public and conserved for future generations. Lamb’s House is an iconic grade-A listed building of national importance. This refurbishment will see it lovingly restored, back in use as a residential property and helping to breathe new life into Leith. ”

Jim Tweedie, Chair of Leith Local History Society, said, “As a history society we are more than happy that the exterior of the building is being retained in its present form. It would have been a tragedy if a building of this significance had been demolished. It is also encouraging to know the developers are now reopening Waters Close and that the gardens at the front are being retained for public access. While we would have loved to have Lambs House as a site for a museum for Leith we appreciate that this was not a viable proposition and fully support the National Trust's plans for this building.”

Charles McKean, historic building consultant, said, "Lamb's House has evolved over the centuries. This next phase of evolution, particularly the re-opening Water's Close and returning the building to its 17th century use, merits strong support. The new building will provide a better context for Lamb's House, and help in recreating the ancient character of this part of Leith. In terms of both contemporary architecture and enhancing the heritage, this proposal is to be warmly welcomed."
 

Mr Russell said,

"I visited St Kilda last year and saw for myself this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culturally and naturally, the islands are of major importance not just for Scotland but for the world. In relation to St Kilda, The National Trust for Scotland 's remit as a conservation charity is to protect the environment from any potential risk, big or small. The possibility of the introduction of a new predator on to the island is a risk and needs to be dealt with seriously. I therefore support the Trust's preventative work in this area."

The charity’s National Species Recovery Officer, Abbie Patterson, is on St Kilda this week to lay and check rat monitoring traps. He led similar work on the island of Canna in 2006 and understands how serious it would be for the island if rats were detected. This is a view supported by Scottish Natural Heritage. David Maclennan is their Area Manager for Western Isles and Rum.

He commented,

"St Kilda is of international importance for its breeding seabirds. Rats have devastated seabird colonies throughout the world, with Canna and Ailsa Craig being two good examples in Scotland . Whilst the risk of rats reaching St Kilda and establishing a population is low, it is a real risk. If a rat population became established, the threat to the seabirds would be major, and expensive eradication measures would be required. Whilst the risk of rats coming ashore from the Spinningdale may be low, the Trust has done the right thing by implementing their contingency plan to make sure that the risk of rats reaching St Kilda is kept to an absolute minimum."

Prospects for a positive outcome on the island are increasing as today Abbie Patterson reported that he has checked the wax blocks and only noted St Kilda mouse teeth marks on them. The wax blocks are not harmful to wildlife but the Trust cannot put poison down as this would, of course, be harmful to the native wildlife.

The National Trust for Scotland 's Property Manager for St Kilda, Susan Bain added, "The Trust will be delighted if no rats are detected on the island but it’s still too early to come to that conclusion. However, the biggest colony of northern gannets in the world are on St Kilda, as are large colonies of puffin, fulmar and Leach’s storm petrel. The islands are the most important seabird station in the north east Atlantic . Constant vigilance is obviously essential, given those facts and the charity would be failing in its responsibilities as a major conservation charity, were we not to carry out this essential work on Hirta."

Supporters of the charity’s far reaching conservation work in Scotland can donate to the National Trust for Scotland by contacting the Development team on 0131 243 9433 and 0844 493 2113  

The team undertook the following tasks:

- They checked the rat traps that had been set last Friday. These were found to be empty so far;

- They checked the location of the stricken vessel, The Spinningdale, to assess its position;

- They assessed the immediate environment near to the vessel, noting places where rats would prefer, for example in sheltered spots and beside walls;

- They began making the special wax blocks that they will need for the rat traps. These blocks are made from unscented candle wax and cocoa. The wax and cocoa are melted and then put into a bun tin to set. These will be placed where rats would be attracted to them, for example along the base of walls.

- The National Trust for Scotland team are anticipating remaining on St Kilda until Friday.

- Images of similar wax blocks used on the Island of Canna are available on request and more descriptions and pictures can be found at www.nts-seabirds.org.uk

Abbie Patterson was involved from the beginning in the Canna Seabird Recovery Project in 2005 and 2006, which has successfully eradicated rats from the island of Canna in the Inner Hebrides. The island of Hirta is about half the size of Canna. He was also integral in developing the contingency plans to prevent re-infestation of Canna.

The National Trust for Scotland is a conservation charity. Our role is to protect many of Scotland's most important areas and properties that we own or manage on behalf of the nation, including St Kilda.

St Kilda is a dual World Heritage Site with the largest seabird colony in Britain, the largest gannet colony in the world and the largest puffin colony in Europe. It is therefore so important to protect the islands and their wildlife that the Trust cannot take any risks at all.

It's the charity’s job to establish if there is any danger posed by rats or any other environmental risks and that's what we've sent our specialist to Hirta to do. This work is wholly funded by The National Trust for Scotland charity and has no impact whatsoever on public funds. We will be able to assess any potential threat to the environment this week.  

Abbie Patterson, the Trust's National Species Recovery Officer, will fly to Hirta with MOD representatives on Tuesday morning. He will check traps and lay fresh bait of cocoa mixed with candle wax to attract any rats which could damage the resident seabird colony. The team is expected to stay on the island until Friday, depending on weather conditions.  

With the 14 crew from the trawler, the Spinningdale, now safely flown to Stornoway, the Trust is focusing on the environmental implications for the island of Hirta, the largest of the four islands.

The charity’s rat procedure is now in place and rat traps are going down on Hirta today.

If rats are brought ashore they will eat birds eggs and chicks and force the birds to move to a different habitat. There are no trees on St Kilda, so all birds are ground nesting.

Commenting on the Trust’s concerns, Abbie Patterson, the Trust’s National Species Recovery officer said,

“This is potentially very worrying if any rats aboard the vessel get ashore as they could put the seabird colony at risk by eating eggs and chicks. We can’t be complacent about this as rats can cause huge problems by decimating seabird colonies..”

The islands are designated a World Heritage Site for their natural heritage - mainly for the cliffs and seabird colonies they support and the surrounding seas.

The biggest colony of northern gannets in the world are on St Kilda, as are large colonies of puffin, fulmar and Leach’s storm petrel. The islands are the most important seabird station in the north east Atlantic.

Susan Bain, the Trust’s Property Manager for St Kilda added,

“St Kilda’s remote isolation means that there are no land-based predators on the bird colonies and we’ve got strict guide lines to make sure people don’t accidentally bring non native species such as cats or rats onto the islands.

“There are only two mammal species - sheep and the St Kilda mouse, a unique sub species - that inhabit the islands. So any possibility of rats being introduced would be a concern.”

The Trust will send its team out to the islands as soon as possible so they can see if there is any evidence that rats have come ashore from the vessel and if so, deal with the problem.

Susan Bain added, “Over the winter time the only people based on the island are staff that work on the MOD radar station. They have kindly put the rat traps down for us today and we will be meeting with them when we arrive on Hirta on Tuesday.”