Organised by experts in the traditional building technique at the Trust, the drystane workshops take place every month and are open to builders with all levels of experience, but especially suit beginners.

The first event in April was very popular. Participants were shown the principles of this traditional craft from qualified instructors before putting their knowledge to the test with a section of wall that needed re-built at the Mains of Kelton farm.

The next events are scheduled for Wednesday 14th May, 18th June and 16th July and cost £30 for the day.

Rhiannon Hatfield, ranger at Threave said:

“Drystane is a traditional building skill that’s important in the Dumfries and Galloway area and across Scotland too. We think it’s important to keep these skills alive – that’s why we’re passing the knowledge of our expert builders on. Hopefully it will help amateur builders to maintain drystane on their property and keep drystane walls standing across Dumfries and Galloway for generations to come.”

For more information or for booking please contact the Dumfries and Galloway Countryside team on 0844 493 2244.
 

Information on how to travel to some of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic settings - without cars - went online at www.nts.org.uk today. It is intended to encourage visitors to leave the car at home when setting off to visit Trust properties.

While some properties are fairly remote, many can be accessed by public transport, on bikes or by foot – or a combination. The project was led for the Trust by 18-year-old ProjectScotland volunteer Alice Macneil and her important environmentally-focussed work is something Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland is understandably proud of.

He said:

“As a conservation charity, we want to encourage people to consider how they can cut down on their car use. That’s particularly relevant at the moment with the concerns about fuel supply.

“It’s possible to get to lots of our sites with buses, bikes and boots. Frequently it requires little more effort and yet it makes for a better environment for Scotland. It also opens up Trust properties to people who may be put off from visiting because they don’t have access to a car.

“These initial properties are just the start for this initiative as we’ll be working to provide alternative travel information for all of our 129 properties over time. That way, visitors can make informed decisions about the available transport and choose what’s best for them and the environment.”

Ben Notley, who manages the Trust’s North Perthshire properties – Killiecrankie, Dunkeld and the Hermitage said:

“We’re always working to promote environmentally-friendly travel and tourism at our properties in Perthshire - in fact Killiecrankie has a gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. We’re pleased to have been involved in the first stage of the project. We already get lots of visitors who walk to our properties and I hope that we’ll see even more visitors making the journey to this beautiful area by public transport, on bikes or by foot.”

The initiative, which includes alternative access to properties such as Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway and Inverewe Garden in Ross-shire has been prepared with the support of Sustrans – the UK sustainable transport charity. Sustrans provided advice on cycling routes and have highlighted National Trust for Scotland properties on their cycle maps which are available at www.sustrans.org.uk.

19 properties were included in the ongoing project. To access the information at www.nts.org.uk, click on the property, then on the ‘Getting there’ link.

1. Threave, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway
2. Newhailes, Musselburgh, East Lothian
3. Culzean Castle, Maybole, South Ayrshire
4. Number 28, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
5. The Georgian House, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
6. Gladstone’s Land, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
7. Pollok House, Glasgow
8. Drum Castle, Drumoak, by Banchory, Aberdeenshire
9. Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar, Aberdeenshire
10. Castle Fraser, Sauchen, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
11. Killiecrankie, Pitlochry, Perthshire
12. Dunkeld, Perthshire
13. The Hermitage, near Dunkeld, Perthshire
14. Brodick Castle, Isle of Arran
15. Inverewe Garden, Poolewe, Ross-shire
16. Culross, Fife
17. Hill of Tarvit, Cupar, Fife
18. Falkland Palace, Falkland, Cupar, Fife
19. The Hill House, Helensburgh
 

The £9 million centre has already been shortlisted in this year’s Royal Institute of British Architects awards.


Now, it has been announced that the electronic, hand-held battlefield guides which have been introduced at the centre are nominated in the ‘Use of Technology’ category at the Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence which take place in London on 8 May.

Using satellite technology, the device automatically provides information on what happened during the battle at strategic points on the battlefield, through a combination of audio and video clips and fact-file data.

Developed by Inverness-based Zolk C who are specialist providers of technological learning solutions, the battlefield guide is the most innovative of its kind currently in existence.

The Trust's Culloden project co-ordinator and Countryside and Islands Group Manager for the North East and Highlands, Alexander Bennett said:

“Technology is central to the whole concept of our new visitor centre and revamped battlefield at Culloden. We knew that combining excellent content with the latest technology could really help us achieve our aim to bring the battle to life for our visitors. It is great to receive recognition for these efforts.”

Zolk C Director of Business Development Bronwen Robinson, said:

“At the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, our work has already enhanced the route to gaining insight into real Scottish history and the possibilities for application in other tourist, heritage sites and attractions are endless.

“This development definitely has the potential to revolutionise the visitor’s experience.”

Paul Savage, Zolk C Managing Director, added:

“By designing, building, and deploying this solution, we have created something that has not been done anywhere else in the world. It is truly ground-breaking. We feel that our technology will allow interpreters to communicate with visitors on a whole new level.”
 

Currently, birds are protected on land at their colonies, but actually spend the majority of their lives at sea. The proposals announced today could extend SPAs around the colonies into the sea, creating a protected zone of up to 4 kilometres in radius.

Conservation experts at the National Trust for Scotland say the move is a welcome first step in improving the protection of seabirds.

Scotland is home to 45% of all of breeding seabirds breeding in the European Union.

Around 20% of all Scottish seabirds are based at Trust properties, including seven which are proposed to be included in the extended scheme - St Kilda, Fair Isle, Canna, Mingulay, St Abbs Head, Hermaness and Fetlar.

Richard Luxmoore, Senior Nature Conservation Adviser for the National Trust for Scotland said:

“Scotland is an outstandingly important habitat for seabirds and the Trust plays host to many hundreds of thousands of birds at our island properties throughout the breeding season. We welcome plans to improve the protection available to seabirds, their colonies and their wider habitats. Today’s consultation is a step in the right direction. In the future, we would be keen to see feeding grounds treated in a similar way.

“In the Trust, we closely monitor the colonies on our islands to ensure that they remain in favourable condition, so that birds continue to breed and the population is maintained. This information will help us advise on the measures necessary to protect the birds within these newly proposed SPAs.”
 

Philip and Scott are descendants of soldiers who fought at the battle and they cut the ribbon, declaring the National Trust for Scotland’s £9 million centre open.

Philip from Inverness and Scott from Kincraig were chosen from more than 30 entrants who traced their family tree in a competition that attracted interest from as far afield as Canada and the USA.
Speaking at the official launch, there’s no doubt today didn’t disappoint.

Philip said: “My dad has been researching our family tree since I was born and I’m really interested in who our ancestors were.

“I love visiting the Culloden battlefield and it’s my birthday tomorrow so this is a fantastic present for me.”

Philip is descended from both sides of the battle. An examination of his family tree reveals three brothers from the Farquharson family of Allargue in Aberdeenshire, two of whom were officers with the Jacobite army, while their brother fought with the Government troops.

Scott added: “I was amazed to hear that I’d won and I’m delighted to be involved in opening the new centre.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the history of the Jacobites and I found researching my family tree really interesting.”

Scott’s ancestor at Culloden was William Hay from Glenbucket in Aberdeenshire, who fought under Major General John Gordon of Glenbucket. William Hay is thought to have been present when Glenbucket’s men met Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Moidart, the day before he set out to raise his standard at Glenfinnan.

Education, learning and young people have been put at the forefront of the Trust’s Culloden project and according to Shonaig Macpherson, Chairman of the charity, the new centre and exhibition aim to dispel many of the myths surrounding the battle and inspire youngsters like Philip and Scott to explore Scotland’s history and rich heritage. Speaking from today’s official opening she said,

“Seeing the effect the new centre is having on children here today is very exciting. One of the things that became clear to us over the years was that many people still believed that Culloden was a battle between Scotland and England.

“We felt it was important to take a fresh approach to telling the story, placing it in context and explaining the effects the defeat of the Jacobites had on the course of history.

“Our search for young people with ancestors who fought at the battle also vividly illustrated that Scottish families were deeply divided by the conflict and it’s particularly symbolic that one of the young people helping open the centre today has ancestors who fought on both sides.

“We also wanted to dispel any of the romantic ideals that often surround the story of Culloden and demonstrate just how brutal the combat really was.

"We’ve put the visitor at the very heart of the battle in the new immersion film which is screened across the four walls of the theatre the two sides facing each other across the room until they charge and meet in combat.

”The Culloden project is an important milestone for the Trust and is exactly the sort of work we, as a major heritage conservation and environment charity, can achieve for the benefit of the nation. This is a proud day.”

The largest construction project ever undertaken by the National Trust for Scotland, the new centre, designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects and built by Morrison Construction, uses state-of-the-art technology.

The Trust raised £1.8 million from a public appeal for Culloden and funding for the rest of the £9.3 million project was provided by the Scottish Government (£3.75 million), the European Regional Development Fund (£2.4 million), HIE Inverness & East Highland (£350,000) and Bòrd na Gàidhlig (£200,000).

Trust Chief Executive Mark Adderley said:

“This has been a very important project for the Trust and one which would not have been possible without the generous help of many. I want to thank everyone who has contributed time, money and expertise in helping us deliver a world-class facility at Culloden.”

Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani said:

“Scotland has a rich heritage which we must not only preserve but also understand. Culloden represents a significant time in our history and I am glad that the centre is placing a real focus on education and learning to share these events with young people.

"I am also pleased to see the inclusion of Gaelic in the centre and the real efforts that have been made to increase the profile of the language.

“The Culloden centre will be a real cultural asset which I am sure will attract visitors from around Scotland and indeed around the world.”

Dennis Malone, Chief Executive of the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme, which administers the European Regional Development Fund in the area, said:

“It’s great that the European Regional Development Fund has been able to make a significant contribution to the development of the new Culloden battlefield and visitor centre.

"By investing in quality, the centre will help generate economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands for many years to come. Congratulations to the National Trust for Scotland for their vision and commitment in bringing this project to fruition.”

James Gibbs, area manager for the Inner Moray Firth with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said:

“I’m thrilled that HIE is among those who enabled this terrific asset to open at Culloden today. The battlefield is recognised far and wide for the part it plays in British and European history and it’s absolutely fitting that the Highlands, as a dynamic and forward-looking region, is able to interpret the site through this world-class visitor centre.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlaig Chief Executive Kenneth Murray said:

“The Bòrd is pleased to see so much Gaelic being used, displayed and mentioned throughout the new centre. This is fitting in a historical sense as well as providing a sense of place in the new Scotland.

“It is also an example of best practice in the use of the language; if Gaelic is to grow in the years ahead we need it to be used in practical ways such as at Culloden.

“The centre is a great asset, not just to the local community but throughout the country and we look forward to seeing even more Gaelic as the centre develops in the future.”

Gaelic features strongly in the new centre, with Gaelic text and music playing a prominent part in the exhibition, reflecting the large amount of Gaelic speakers who fought on both sides of the battle.

The search winners and local school children were also joined at today’s official opening by Dr Tony Pollard, from BBC Television’s “Two Men in a Trench” and Dr Nick Barratt, of BBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are” who was part of the judging panel for the search for descendants to open the centre.

The new interactive exhibition, designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, follows the progress of real-life characters through the years leading up to and after the Jacobite Rebellion and offers a unique insight into what life was like in Scotland at the time of the battle.

The battlefield has also undergone careful changes, with a new footpath network with a variety of walks tailored to the amount of time available to visitors.

Tours of the battlefield can be accompanied by new hand held devices which use satellite technology to provide information on what happened during the battle at strategic points.

Competition winners, Philip and Scott were given life membership of the National Trust for Scotland by Chairman Shonaig Macpherson today.

click here to see more photographs of the opening ceremony

Related Files

• Download the media release (DOC - 152 KB)

 

The cairn will be lit each evening until Saturday 19 April.

For more information on events at Culloden this week, click on events.  

The events are part of the Industrious Innerleithen event which celebrates the town’s past. It is run in partnership with the Scottish Borders Council, Innerleithen Community Trust and Fortissimo.

Visitors to Smail’s will step back to the Victorian era with the Trust’s popular Living History tour. Staff will be in costume and character, allowing visitors n insight into the trade of printing, the talents required and technology employed in the 19th Century. Tours run from 12 noon – 5pm and admission costs £14 per family.

Property Manager Gen Harrison said:

“Innerleithen has such an interesting past and Robert Smail’s was an important part of that. That’s why we felt it was important to get involved in this special day. Our Living History tours really bring the past to life to visitors. They’re very popular both with visitors and the staff who enjoy getting dressed up and going back in time!”

The full programme for Industrious Innerleithen is:

10am until Noon

Innerleithen Library - Pupils from St. Ronan’s Primary P7 will see the culmination of their enterprise project with Robert Smail’s Printing Works. The Inky Prints invite you to Print What You Want, a chance to try a range of printing activities whilst their colleagues will be selling their wide range of products designed to celebrate the 500 Years of Printing in Scotland and promote Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Innerleithen’s own industrial treasure.

The Library is generously hosting the event as part of its celebrating Local History Week and will host Victorian Rhymetime celebrating nursery rhymes and tunes from the Victorian Era for children below 5. Mary Kenny will lead two story-telling sessions for children aged 6 and upwards, so there is truly something for all the family.

Noon until 5pm
We beg to inform you…
Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Innerleithen is staging Victorian living history tours. Visitors to this unique National Trust for Scotland property can step back in time to meet employees of R. Smail & Sons from 1896. Customers to R. Smail’s would never go beyond placing their orders in the office, but by applying to take up an apprenticeship here, visitors will be able to view ‘the works’ as it would have been.

2pm until 5pm
St. Ronan’s Wells
Come and try the waters at Innerleithen’s own Victorian Health Spa. Named for Sir Walter Scott’s 1823 novel, the burgeoning town of Innerleithen became famous for its waters s as well as its woollen trade. The pavilion and gardens are open for visitors and contains a collection on the town’s history, focussing on the local games week.

2.30pm
Innerleithen Community Trust will lead a walk as part of the Industrious Innerleithen
The industrial past of Innerleithen owes everything to the character and ingenuity of its people and to the Leithen water around which the community has grown. The potential of the water to power industry led to inventive engineering to allow the wheels of industry to turn as the working life of Innerleithen grew over time. Power was drawn from a constructed mill lade that weaves its way through the heart of the town. Learn more about the role of water in Innerleithen’s industry on this walk.
It begins at the Memorial Hall Car Park at 2.30pm.

Fortissimo and Friends
Victorian Concert, Innerleithen Church Hall, 7pm
Initially intended to be gentle, singing experience for ‘more mature voices’ – Fortissimo is an amazing, energetic group of bright, enthusiastic songsters with an age-range of 40+ to 90. Industrious Innerleithen is proud to have this wonderful group end the day with a specially prepared Victorian Concert for the evening entertainment, a fantastic end to a hopefully enjoyable and educational day!
 

The sightings will contribute to a detailed survey to be carried out by the conservation charity this year and will go some way to assessing possible climate change effects on the Trust’s high mountain peaks

The survey will provide reliable population information for one of Scotland’s most popular mountain birds, the Ptarmigan. The data will allow conservationists to examine the changing patterns of the bird’s populations, with a particular focus on any effects from a changing climate. The study will also allow a comparison to be made with populations further north at the Trust’s Mar Lodge Estate.

Mr. Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser with the National Trust for Scotland said:

“Ptarmigan are one of the few birds that specialise on living on our mountain tops. The general belief is that a warming climate could make Scotland a less suitable place for them to live and breed. Some current predictions suggest they may only be able to survive on our highest and most northern ridges and plateaux in the future. In theory, this could mean they disappear altogether from mountains like Goatfell and Ben Lomond. However, the Trust is not satisfied that we have sufficient scientific data in the field to know what will happen to this species.

“We know that there are other factors that may well affect the Ptarmigans, including grazing levels which affect its food supply and predicted increases in wind speed. Indeed, increasing wind chill may act in favour of the Ptarmigan. We just don’t know.”

He continued: “We are keen to begin detailed annual surveys at Goatfell, Ben Lomond and Ben Lawers to study long-term changes in the Ptarmigan populations there. This fieldwork will hopefully feed into our management of these properties and other work out there to determine what is happening to much of our wildlife as the weather changes.”
 

Scott Hay (11) from Kincraig and Philip Nicol (6) from Inverness have been chosen from more than 30 entrants from as far away as Canada, to help officially open the new Culloden visitor centre on Wednesday 16 April, the anniversary of the battle. Indeed it will be Scott and Philip’s names that will be etched upon the opening plaque for the centre.

Philip is descended from both sides of the battle. An examination of his family tree reveals three brothers of the Farquharson family of Allargue in Aberdeenshire, two of whom were officers with the Jacobite army, while their brother fought with the Government troops.

Already a regular visitor to Culloden, Philip was especially keen to take part in the opening as he will be celebrating his seventh birthday the following day.

Scott’s family tree also impressed the judging panel. His ancestor at Culloden was William Hay from Glenbucket in Aberdeenshire, who fought under Major General John Gordon of Glenbucket, a renowned senior Jacobite commander whose feats included the burning of Ruthven Barracks before the Battle of Culloden. William Hay is thought to have been present when Glenbucket’s men met Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Moidart, the day before he set out to raise his standard at Glenfinnan.

The Trust's Culloden project co-ordinator and Countryside and Islands Group Manager for the North East and Highlands, Alexander Bennett said:

“We were thrilled with the response to our search, with all the vital historical details that participants shared with us and it is heartening to see so many young people researching their roots.

“Philip and Scott sent in fantastic entries which were well researched and presented and demonstrated that they both had a keen interest in their family history and Culloden in particular.

“We are particularly excited that a youngster whose ancestors fought on both sides of the battle responded to our challenge, as we knew such families existed. They are both living proof of the fact that Scots, often from the same areas and families, were divided by the conflict and help dispel the myth that the battle was fought between England and Scotland.”

Philip and Scott have been invited by the Trust as VIPs to the official opening of the Culloden Visitor Centre to cut the ribbon on 16 April.
 

The Foundation supports the work of the Scottish conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, which promotes and protects Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage.

In a letter welcoming guests to a special fundraising event in Manhattan on Wednesday 9 April, the Mayor highlighted the contribution that Scots have made to the city. He said:

“Scottish traditions and values have helped drive our City’s collective spirit, and the contributions of Scottish New Yorkers to our economic, social, and civic life continue to strengthen our community’s role as the greatest city in the world.”

He also commended the famous Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith, who will receive the Great Scot award at the ‘Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures’ event. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to Scotland and Scottish culture worldwide.

Mayor Bloomberg added:

“Tonight, we come together to recognize a world-renowned Scot, author Alexander McCall Smith, whose outstanding talents have enriched the lives of readers around the world.

“On behalf of the City of New York, I commend Dr. McCall Smith as well as everyone involved with the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA for helping to preserve your country’s vibrant history.”

The fundraising event at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Club was organised by the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA. Guests will bid for luxury trips to Scotland, sample Scottish whisky and enjoy music and fashion created by top Scots artists, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and designer Sandra Murray. All proceeds raised will support the work of the National Trust for Scotland.
 

Experts from the charity’s Little Houses Improvement Scheme have organised the free public events for Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May at the House of Dunn, near Montrose, Angus.

The Trust is currently restoring one of the most complete surviving examples of mudwall buildings in the Angus area at Logie Schoolhouse. Clay was a commonly used construction material across Scotland, until the 18th century and examples can be found in the area straddling the Kincardineshire and Angus boundary, from Brechin to Auchenblae and Edzell to Montrose.

The events will cover both the theory of earth building and conservation, as well as practical workshops. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the conservation works at Logie Schoolhouse. These events are free of charge through the generous support of the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme and the efforts of the Trust’s Angus Members’ Centre.

Siân Loftus, Little Houses Improvement Scheme Manager said:

“Not too many people know that clay was a common building material in Scotland. In fact, there are buildings that may be clad in other materials like lime and cement which conceal this traditional material. The workshops will help owners to identify whether their building is of mudwall construction and provide practical advice on repair and maintenance. The owners of one mudwall house in Luthermuir have already signed up for a workshop. We’d love to hear from other owners in the area.

“These events are a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the building traditions of their local area to increase their knowledge and get some great hands on experience.”

The morning session will be lead by Tom Morton of Arc Architecture whose practice is at the forefront of earth-building technologies, conservation, and ecological design. Tom also serves as the secretary of Earth Building UK the national organization for earth construction. This session will provide an introduction to Kincardineshire’s and Angus’ earth-building traditions and will focus on key aspects of conservation. The possibilities of earth based materials in modern ecological low carbon design will also be introduced.

The afternoon session will be lead by Becky Little of Little and Davie Construction who specialise in traditional building craft skills and have worked on numerous earth buildings. Becky will be examining the more practical side of earth conservation and construction and participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experience with the material in a wall building exercise.

Guided tours of the ongoing conservation works at Logie Schoolhouse will also be provided in order to showcase the successful repair of a rare and remarkably complete example of a late vernacular earth building which has served its local community both as a school and most recently as a church. The Trust, through its Little Houses Improvement Scheme is currently converting the building into a dwelling.

 

An event which takes place at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Club on Wednesday 8 April has been organised by the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA.

Top Scots author Alexander McCall Smith will attend the ‘Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures’ where he will receive the Great Scot award, which recognises outstanding contributions to Scotland and Scottish culture worldwide.

Other attendees will bid for luxury trips to Scotland, sample Scottish whisky and enjoy music and fashion created by top Scots artists, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and designer Sandra Murray. All proceeds raised will support the work of the National Trust for Scotland.

Shonaig Macpherson, Chairman for the National Trust for Scotland is also attending the event in New York. She said:

“Our American supporters make a huge contribution to the Trust and the work that we do to conserve some of Scotland’s most treasured properties – from castles and great houses, to mountains, lochs and battlefields too.

“As a charity, we depend on the generosity of our members and supporters at home and abroad, so that we can continue this vital work to protect Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage. I am grateful to everyone involved in organising and supporting this event which celebrates Scotland, the Trust and the kindness of many supporters.”

 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced the inclusion of Culloden in the shortlist of their award scheme earlier this week.

Presented annually, RIBA awards are given for buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment.


Designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, the £9 million visitor centre is the largest construction project ever undertaken by the National Trust for Scotland and opened its doors to the public in December last year.

The building places an emphasis on environmentally friendly features, using sustainably sourced timber and Caithness stone. Heating is provided by a woodchip burning biomass boiler plant.

The Trust's Culloden project co-ordinator and Countryside and Islands Group Manager for the North East and Highlands, Alexander Bennett said:

“We are delighted to have been nominated for this high profile award which recognises the innovative design and world-class facilities we now have at Culloden.

“The nomination is a testament to the vision of the team at Gareth Hoskins Architects in creating a building that blends with the surrounding landscape, providing the ideal home for presenting the story of a battle that changed the course of history.”

A jury will visit Culloden in April, with the winners due to be announced on 29 May.


RIBA award winners go on to be considered in the RIBA National Awards scheme, the UK’s leading architecture awards which will be announced in June.