NEWS

Clans, families and folk with a link to the Battle of Culloden are being urged by the National Trust for Scotland to take a last chance to go down in history.

The rallying cry comes as the charity announced that there are only a few weeks left to have a customized Caithness stone set in the walkway approaching the new visitor centre.

The Culloden Stones appeal was set up to help raise funds to redevelop the Culloden Visitor Centre and battlefield, which was officially opened in April 2008 by young descendants of Culloden fighters.

More than 1200 individually engraved Caithness stones have been bought by donors, raising more than £75,000.

The pathway leading to the centre is paved with these stones which are personalised with inscriptions and insignias – many from Clan Groups - from around the world. The last chance to buy stones is Monday 7 July 2008.

Deirdre Smyth, general manager at Culloden said:

“Culloden is a place that many people have strong emotional and family ties with. The stones are an excellent way for supporters from all over the world to make their mark at this important historic site, as well as make an important and very welcome financial contribution to our work. “
 

The National Trust for Scotland has received a £5.8m funding boost to its Robert Burns Birthplace Museum project today, with the news that the charity has been successful in its Stage Two submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This substantial HLF contribution represents an important step towards the Trust realising an overall fundraising target which, if achieved, will enable it to begin its plans to build a new world class Burns museum in Alloway, the Ayrshire town where Burns was born.

The National Trust for Scotland now needs to raise an additional £5m itself towards the project, to add to the £5.8m HLF funding, a £5.5m contribution from the Scottish Government, £500,000 anticipated from Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, and land in Alloway worth £2.8m from South Ayrshire Council. The programme is the largest, most ambitious project the charity has ever sought to undertake.

Commenting on today’s most welcome news, Shonaig Macpherson, Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland said:

“This is wonderful news for the Trust. We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for granting such a substantial amount of money for what is unquestionably a prestigious and hugely significant Burns project.

“The HLF decision shows great faith in the National Trust for Scotland’s ability
to deliver such an important museum for the people of Scotland and Burns enthusiasts around the world. We must now play our part and raise several million pounds before construction of the museum and other Burns initiatives can begin. This will include a major public appeal to be launched in September.

“The Trust is uniquely placed to take on a project of this size and nature. The HLF support, together with our other major funders, means we are an important step closer to delivering a world class museum in Alloway and an exciting re-interpretation of the cottage where Burns was born. As a charity we feel honoured to be responsible for this project and we appreciate that, for the large part, it is only possible thanks to our major funders.”

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland said:

"The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to announce our investment of £5.8m in this project. Robert Burns is perhaps the world's best-known Scot. His importance as a poet, songwriter and humanist is acknowledged from Ayrshire to the Urals and people of all ages recognise and enjoy his work.

“Burns' legacy is one of Scotland's great gifts to the world. It is only fitting that our generation create a museum at Burns' birthplace that is a worthy tribute to the man and his works, and where future generations can better enjoy and understand him.”

The National Trust for Scotland was first approached to take the lead in delivering the multi-million pound project in 2004. The initiative involves creating the new world class Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, carrying out a major re-interpretation of the cottage where Burns was born, delivering exciting new education facilities and enhancing the Burns Monument, Brig o’Doon and Auld Kirk.

None of this would be possible without the consent and cooperation of the Burns Monument Trust, who own most of the Burns landmarks and collections in Alloway. Their trustees will soon hand over ownership to the National Trust for Scotland.

Their Chairman, the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Mr John L Duncan, QPM, said:

“Today’s announcement is great news for all with an interest in Robert Burns. Since 1814, the Burns Monument Trust has shouldered the responsibility of preserving the built heritage and collections of Burns and the announcement today will facilitate the passing of that responsibility to the National Trust for Scotland.

“No safer hands could be found; we are confident that the future of all that we have preserved, built up and cared for over these many years, is secure.”
The Alloway land where the landmarks and collections are located is owned by South Ayrshire Council. The Council, which has been very supportive of the charity’s plans in Alloway, will give the land to the National Trust for Scotland, worth an estimated £2.8m.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the Joint Board said:

“I am delighted that significant funding has been secured for such an important project. Tourism is the life blood of business in South Ayrshire and I know that the new facilities will increase visitors to this area.”

The new museum and cottage re-interpretation will indeed attract many Burns enthusiasts and tourists to the Alloway area, boosting the local economy and raising the profile of Ayrshire in general. With HLF funding now in place, Scottish Enterprise plan to contribute £500,000 to the project.

Michael Wright of Scottish Enterprise said:

"We are delighted that the National Trust for Scotland has been successful in securing Heritage Lottery Funding. Scottish Enterprise has worked closely with the Trust over the past few years to help in the preparation of the business plan and design concepts for the museum and we will continue to support them as they move towards implementing these plans.

"Burns is a key Scottish cultural icon and it is fitting that as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth in 2009 that work will be underway on the creation of a new museum which will preserve the Burns legacy for future generations to come."

The local community is enthusiastic about how the project can enhance Alloway and Peter Watson, Chair of Alloway & Doon foot Community Council added:

“The community is pleased that the Trust is taking this project forward. We are convinced that this needs to be of the highest possible standard and the plans we have seen so far will certainly bring Burns into the 21st century.”

Commenting on the HLF funding decision, Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland added:

“With HLF funding secure, we are now entering a most exciting fundraising stage of our Burns project, which follows on from the successful completion of the new Culloden Visitor Centre last year.

“We will soon be going out to tender for major parts of the project and hope to be able to confirm shortly that the cottage re-interpretation will be achieved in 2009. We anticipate playing our part in the 250th anniversary of Burns’ birth and the Homecoming Scotland activities throughout 2009. Once our funding is in place, the museum itself is expected to be ready in 2010.”

 

The National Trust for Scotland charity called for Ministers to consider scrapping the right to buy for crofts, to ensure the long-term survival of crofting in Scotland.

In an open letter to Environment Minister Michael Russell, the conservation charity said right to buy is the greatest threat to crofting’s survival. Instead, the Trust recommended introducing an ‘application to buy’ – an approach that would greatly reduce the number of crofts passing into private ownership and out of crofting.

The Trust’s proposal goes further than that made by the Crofting Inquiry Committee’s report which supported the continuation of the right to buy, but to give new local crofting boards the power to remove that, if they wished.

In their detailed letter that aims to influence the government’s response to the Shucksmith report, the National Trust for Scotland made a series of recommendations based on its careful consideration of the report and the charity’s first-hand experience. The charity owns six crofting estates including Balmacara, Torridon and Fair Isle, which support more than 200 registered crofts.

The Trust also asked Ministers to ensure that any legislation and guidance produced in response to the Shucksmith report was carefully drafted and detailed to help ensure effective regulation and governance by the new local crofting boards, to consider introducing a requirement for wider community consultation on decisions taken by the new boards and to ensure that local crofting plans and local development are integrated.

Iain Turnbull, property manager at Balmacara, is the Trust’s leading authority on crofting issues. He said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for Scotland to strengthen crofting and ensure it survives and thrives in the future. The Trust has made a significant contribution to the crofting debate and as a landowner with more than 200 crofts in our care, we felt our detailed insight into crofting could further help Ministers as they develop their response to the Shucksmith report, over the summer break.

“The Trust is strongly supportive of the Shucksmith report and its recommendations, which we believe offers much that is good for the future of crofting. Its action on right to buy, however, is not yet strong enough.

“We also believe that care must be taken to protect the funding available for crofting and that the legal loopholes that have thwarted the Crofting Commission’s attempts to regulate within this complex area of law must be closed. If we can address these issues, it puts Scottish crofting on a strong footing for the future.”

The National Trust for Scotland owns six crofting estates: Balmacara, Canna, Fair Isle, Iona, Kintail and Torridon, and one croft on Yell. These amount to nearly 200 registered crofts. The Trust is committed to the management of our crofting estates to protect, enhance, and promote Scotland’s crofting landscape and its associated cultural and natural heritage.

 

Following the recent publication of the final report of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting led by Professor Shucksmith, and your commitment to respond in detail later this summer, the National Trust for Scotland charity (the Trust) believes it would be useful to provide you with our considered response and hope that our input may further influence your own response on these important issues.

Crofting is a significant and valuable part of the cultural and natural heritage of the Highlands and Islands, and as landlord to six crofting estates that contain nearly 200 registered crofts, the Trust seeks to promote thriving crofting communities as part of its wider support for the countryside and the conservation of Scotland’s heritage. We wholeheartedly welcome the Shucksmith Report with its strong clear vision and bold and inspirational recommendations.

The Trust is also encouraged by the Government’s positive reaction, and the significant cross-party support, evident during the Parliamentary debate on 15 May. The strength of positive reaction across the crofting communities and organisations is a further indication that there is considerable support for the Shucksmith report and a collective desire to secure the future of crofting. Against this background the Trust has set out below more detailed thoughts on the Report’s recommendations.

Detailed Comments

1) Many of the Trust’s previous suggestions, such as reviewing the assignation of crofts, the need for crofters to reside on or near their croft and to work the land, and the review of the individual crofter’s right to buy their croft and associated de-crofting, have been taken on board and included in the Report. However, it could be considered that the report has ducked the real issue of the right to buy and passed on the issue to the local committees/boards. While this may encourage representation of local opinion it may also be subject to vested interests prevailing. The Trust would restate its earlier view that the right to buy remains the primary force in the current demise of genuine crofting and should be removed, possibly with the introduction of an “application to buy” process when a crofter genuinely requires ownership for a specific purpose that the township committee and local crofting board consider to be appropriate. Hence, the right to buy should be removed but could be reinstated on application individually, rather than the current proposal which leaves it in place subject to possible removal by the local boards.

2) The increase in active and resident crofters and greater support for contributing towards environmental and cultural public goods are laudable aims and are supported by the Trust. The achievement of these aims will depend largely on the detail of any legislation or policy changes at agency level. To ensure the success of these aims, the Trust would advocate two key features:
Firstly, it is essential that whoever governs crofting has the ability to enforce policy on residency and activity.
Secondly, funding for traditional crofting activities must be increased to reflect more accurately the costs of producing agricultural products in the remote crofting areas. The Trust has operated a simple Traditional Croft Management Scheme at Balmacara for two years and intends to continue this for another three years. This was developed through discussion between the Trust and the resident crofters on the estate. Similar inclusive and flexible schemes need to be developed on an area by area basis.

3) The Trust is supportive of the proposal to introduce a ‘residency burden’ to croft house sites from 12 May 2008, a move which would help protect crofts for the future. It is essential that any such burdens are retrospectively applied back to 12 May 2008 to prevent a rush of speculation. We would urge the Scottish Government to ensure that any such burden is enforceable, as well as considering possible penalties for any breach of this condition.

4) The report states that crofting has an important contribution to make towards sustaining a well-populated and well-managed countryside and emphasises the need for crofting to be well-regulated and governed in the public interest. The Trust warmly welcomes this stance, especially the emphasis on crofting communities being in greater control of their own destiny. The key factor in this is the form that the devolved crofting community bodies take.
We would urge Ministers to give careful consideration to key questions such as: who will be represented on these bodies - both at board and township level; whether there will be scope for amalgamation of committees where townships are either too small to form a committee or do not wish to do so individually; and the role of the landlord in these bodies. The Crofting Boards will necessarily cover very large areas and it is hard to see how such a structure might include all relevant parties, unless there is a direct link through to the township committees. We urge Ministers to consider requiring appropriate wider community consultation on decisions taken by the Boards.

5) The Trust welcomes the recognition by the report that access to affordable housing affects both crofters and the wider community, and that much assistance is needed. The proposed levels of support remain too low to provide effective support for many individuals and families throughout the Highlands & Islands. In many crofting areas it costs around £200,000 to build a house, and even with the grant and loan, this is beyond most household incomes. We would encourage the Scottish Government to seek a stronger alternative to this issue. One possibility is that through Housing Associations or local community housing trusts, new housing could be built on a shared equity basis, with the community share being retained to help ensure residency in the longer term.

6) Support for new entrants into crofting is an essential tool for bringing under-used, or un-used crofts back into use. The linkages between this support and that aimed at addressing the housing issue, as detailed above, should be strengthened.

7) Local Crofting Plans ought to reflect the balance between individual and wider crofting community rights, and contribute towards avoiding inappropriate development. However, this is where the relationship between this planning process and the statutory Local Planning process is critical. We believe that the Crofting Boards should be made statutory consultees for planning applications. The right balance must be struck to integrate crofting plans into the wider community and vice versa.

8) The vision for the governance of crofting contains many elements that the Trust believes allows for considerable improvement on the current situation. However, the benefits of separating the governance from the development function are not sufficiently clear. In what way will the Federation of Crofting Boards differ from the Commission? Obviously there will be local boards below the Federation, but the over-arching body could simply remain as the Commission with some changes. It would be an unfortunate outcome if the corporate knowledge of the many experienced staff in the Commission was lost.
That said, one potential advantage of separating the development function is that it may lead to better integration of crofting and non-crofting elements of the community. Whatever solution is applied, there must be dedicated funding for the development of crofting areas and existing funding must not be lost.

9) The proposals to devolve responsibility for governance of crofting to a more local level, encouragement of traditional crofting land uses, and enforcement of the occupancy and use of croft land are welcomed. However, the key issue is what form these proposals will take in detail. It is essential that any changes that are introduced to primary legislation regarding the above must be capable of being enforced via the Scottish Land Court (SLC) if necessary. Hence, clear guidance on how the new legislation should be interpreted must be provided, for the avoidance of doubt.
For example, if a crofter lives on or near his croft and is working the land, the report recommends there be no change to the fundamental rights of crofters that have existed for well over a century, such as security of tenure, succession and fair rents. The definition of working the land must be tightened up to avoid abuse and/or loopholes in the law.
The Crofters Commission has been criticised for its poor record of regulation within the current regulations framework. However, in reality they have tried and failed on many occasions simply because the SLC has overruled their decisions due to loopholes in the law. We would emphasise the need for any resulting legislation and guidance to be well-drafted to prevent this situation from continuing.

10) The recommendation that the register of crofts should be maintained by the Registers of Scotland, and map based, seems sensible. Comment has been made in the press about the potential cost of this element of the proposals. However, a lot of the information required (e.g. boundary information) is already recorded through the IACS system and with appropriate changes to the rules of that scheme, this could be made available to the National Register as a good starting point for creating and agreeing a map-based register.

The Trust is committed to the management of its crofting estates to protect, enhance, and promote Scotland’s crofting landscape and its associated cultural and natural heritage. We will continue to support and contribute to securing the future of crofting. We would be happy to meet with you or your colleagues to expand on any of the above.  

Young visitors can step back in time with creative activities at one on Scotland’s most prestigious addresses this summer.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Georgian House, which is next door to the First Minister’s official residence Bute House, starts its summer activities programme this Saturday 28 June.

Youngsters can sample Georgian fashions first-hand, getting dressed up in historic garb or try out the Georgian equivalent of texting - the quill pen. There are lots of other creative opportunities offered in the grand surroundings at the Georgian House too.

Property Manager Sheonagh Martin said:

“In Georgian times, children were expected to be seen and not heard. Thankfully, times have changed and we hope to hear lots of laughter in the Georgian House this summer as our younger visitors get dressed up in mob caps and cravats and get a glimpse of what life was like in Georgian times.”

Children’s events run daily at the Georgian House from 10am – 5pm. Activities are included in the entry price which is £5 per adult and £14 per family.

For more information, please call 0844 493 2118.
 

Get a taste of medieval times at the National Trust for Scotland charity’s Falkland Palace in Fife this Saturday 28 June, as a fair featuring music, food and fun from days-gone-by takes to the street.

The street fair, which takes place from 11am until 3pm will offer families the chance to sample the food, music and entertainment that might have been on offer when Mary Queen of Scots visited the historic palace. Falkland is famous for its royal connections, especially with the Stewart family.

Bill Lessels, property manager said:

“Falkland has a long and fascinating history and we are always looking for ways to bring that to life for visitors. The street fair will give families a flavour of the merry times that were had at Falkland Palace by its many royal visitors. We know that Mary Queen of Scots held Falkland close to her heart and we hope that this Saturday will win us even more admirers.”
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, embraced the digital age today as it launched a podcast to take visitors on a scenic walk around the iconic Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire.

The third in a series of six walking podcasts available for free at www.nts.org.uk/multimedia, the download features Crathes head gardener Callum Pirnie and ranger Fiona Milne.

The podcasts are designed to encourage visitors to enjoy walking at Trust properties and include a wander around the tranquil Priorwood and Harmony gardens in Melrose, a woodland walk at the Hermitage, Dunkeld, a wildlife walk around the dramatic Glencoe and a stroll around the medieval streets of Culross, Fife.

Marketing Manager Clare Willis said:

“Crathes is a great place for walks and there is so much to see. Joining a guided tour or a ranger-led walk is a great way to learn more, but it’s just not convenient for every visitor. Free podcasts give us a great opportunity to highlight the very best of the Trust’s properties. Whether it’s a secluded spot in a beautiful garden, an impressive mountain vista or a fascinating fact about village life, there is something extra in there for our visitors. We hope the downloads will be used by visitors of all ages who want to get even more out of their time at a Trust property.”
 

Staff at the Culloden Visitor Centre are today celebrating their third award nomination so far this year.

The National Trust for Scotland charity’s £9 million centre has been nominated in the tourism category at the National Business Awards for Scotland 2008, sponsored by Orange.

The awards, which are presented on 11 September 2008, reward and recognise excellence, best practice and innovation throughout the Scottish business community.

Culloden is up against some tough competition in the VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year Award category, including the Scottish Seabirds Centre at North Berwick and the real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh.

The centre has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened to the public in December 2007 and has already taken top prize for its use of technology at the Museum and Heritage Awards in London last month. It was also shortlisted in the Royal Institute of British Architecture Awards.

This latest award nomination is further confirmation of the success of the project which has received rave reviews for its bold and evocative exhibition which really brings the Battle of Culloden to life.

Deirdre Smyth, general manager at Culloden said:

“Culloden truly is a must-see destination for tourists from within Scotland and from overseas. It is great to have these efforts recognised. This nomination is fantastic news for everyone involved in the Culloden project and for the staff here who work so hard to bring the battle to life for our many visitors and give each one a great experience.”
 

Experts and volunteers from conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland check on whether any bats have made their home at the Priorwood and Harmony gardens in Melrose on Thursday 26 June.

The gardens, which are cared for by the Trust, are some of the seventeen Trust properties holding bat surveys over the next few weeks.

Trust wildlife experts believe there may be a bat roost at Harmony Garden and are hopeful of spotting signs of bats during the visit next week. There are no known bat roosts or residents at Priorwood.

The charity is keen to establish exactly where the bats live and which species are present, as part of its ongoing work to protect and conserve the legally-protected mammals and their roosts. The project is part-funded by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser said:

“Bats can be tricky to find because they are so small. They can squeeze into incredibly tight gaps and live in inaccessible parts of buildings and trees. We are quite hopeful of spotting some bats in the grounds at Harmony, as we suspect there may be a roost somewhere, but we just don’t know about Priorwood. Either way, it’s important to check so that we can make sure these creatures and their habitats are not disturbed.”
 

Are you a local history enthusiast, green-fingered gardener or keen conservationist? Then the National Trust for Scotland needs your skills to help make a difference.

Right now, there are volunteering opportunities on offer at Hutchesons' Hall in the city centre, Tenement House at Charing Cross and Pollok House, set in the glorious grounds at Pollok Park. Volunteering with the Trust is a great way to get involved with the charity’s conservation work, make a contribution to your community and help protect and preserve some of Scotland’s treasures.

Hutchesons' Hall is currently looking for volunteers to help out in its well-stocked gift shop, while the Tenement House and Pollok House are looking for volunteer guides to tell visitors more about these iconic Glasgow properties.

John Barber, a volunteer guide at Brodie Castle in Forres, says that his role has changed his life. He said:
“I come from an IT background, and I went into IT at a time when people who did that got on better with computers than with people. I avoided public speaking for the whole of my working life.”
Now John revels in his role of showing parties around Brodie Castle.
As well as gaining new skills and experience, volunteers at the Trust make a vital contribution to the work of one of Scotland’s largest conservation charities.

Head of Volunteering, Violet Dalton said:

“As a conservation charity, we depend on the time and skills of dedicated volunteers to help maintain our fantastic properties, provide a great service to visitors and conserve our landscapes and wildlife. There are loads of exciting opportunities in your area, so please visit our volunteering website for more information.”

For more information on current volunteering opportunities and to apply, visit www.nts.org.uk/volunteering.
 

Are you a local history enthusiast, green-fingered gardener or keen conservationist? Then the National Trust for Scotland needs your skills to help make a difference, whether it’s welcoming visitors to some of Scotland’s most beautiful historic buildings or helping out in their glorious gardens.

Right now, there are volunteering opportunities on offer at Castle Fraser, Sauchen, Crathes Castle in Banchory and Drum Castle by Banchory. Volunteering with the Trust is a great way to get involved with the charity’s conservation work, make a contribution to your community and help protect and preserve some of Scotland’s treasures.

Castle Fraser is currently looking for volunteer guides and membership recruiters. Crathes Castle has opportunities with their Rangers service and Drum Castle is looking for keen volunteers to get involved with gardening, events and education projects.

John Barber, a volunteer guide at Brodie Castle in Forres, says that his role has changed his life. He said:
“I come from an IT background, and I went into IT at a time when people who did that got on better with computers than with people. I avoided public speaking for the whole of my working life.”
Now John revels in his role of showing parties around Brodie Castle.
As well as gaining new skills and experience, volunteers at the Trust make a vital contribution to the work of one of Scotland’s largest conservation charities.

Head of Volunteering, Violet Dalton said:

“As a conservation charity, we depend on the time and skills of dedicated volunteers to help maintain our fantastic properties, provide a great service to visitors and conserve our landscapes and wildlife. There are loads of exciting opportunities in your area, so please visit our volunteering website for more information.”

For more information on current volunteering opportunities and to apply, visit www.nts.org.uk/volunteering.

 

There will be swash-buckling action this weekend at the National Trust for Scotland’s dramatic Drum Castle, by Banchory, as a historic swordsmanship display gets underway.

Visitors will be treated to deft and dazzling displays of this increasingly rare craft on Sunday 22 June at from noon until 4pm. Hear the clash of broadswords and marvel at the skill and speed of some of Scotland’s top swordsman – all set in the atmospheric shadow of Drum Castle.

For more information, call 0844 493 2161.
 

Take a twilight tour of Hill of Tarvit in Fife on the evening of Saturday 21 June and see the garden in a whole new light.

The tour is a great chance to get inspired during the gardening season and learn more about the beautiful garden. Head gardener, Peter Christopher will be on hand to answer any questions.

Peter said:

“An evening visit to the garden in mid-summer is enchanting, giving visitors a different perspective on plants. Fragrance is much more noticeable at dusk and this really adds a different dimension to the garden.”

The event takes place on Saturday 21 June and costs £4 for adults and £3 for concessions. Please call 0844 493 2185 to book
 

Marvel at some of the most powerful and graceful birds of prey flying in the beautiful grounds of Crathes Castle on Sunday 22 June 2008.

Eagles, falcons and merlins will soar over the castle as part of a fabulous free-flying display from 1.30pm. The event is free.

Property Manager Wendy McDonald said:

“These birds are truly beautiful and it’s fantastic to give visitors the chance to see them up close and in the air. The grounds at Crathes are looking really beautiful as we head into the summer, so there is no better setting to marvel at the majesty of these powerful birds of prey.”

For more information, please call 0844 493 2166.
 

Walk amongst the wonderful flowers in the walled garden at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle, Ayrshire on Sunday 22 June from 11am.

Take the opportunity to ask Susan Russell, Head Gardener for a few green-fingered tips too.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful blooms at Culzean, pick up some gardening tips and buy a plant or two to take home this coming weekend, as part of a programme of events at the country park as summer officially gets underway.

For those more interested in fauna than flora, there is plenty on offer too. The Ayr and District Beekeepers will also be on hand to give an insight into the fascinating world of these wonderful winged insects, their hives and their honey.

A number of wildlife walks are also planned under the watchful eye of Trust rangers. It’s a great chance to spot some fascinating insect life – or something bigger.

For more information, call 0844 493 2148.
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, embraced the digital age today as it launched a podcast to take visitors on a scenic walk around its iconic Glencoe property.

The second in a series of six walking podcasts available for free at www.nts.org.uk/multimedia, the download features Trust ranger Scott McCombie.

The podcasts are designed to encourage visitors to enjoy walking at Trust properties and include a wander around the tranquil Priorwood and Harmony gardens in Melrose, a woodland walk at the Hermitage, Dunkeld, a walk around the wider estate at Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire and a stroll around the medieval streets of Culross, Fife.

Marketing Manager Clare Willis said:

“Glencoe is an amazing place for walks and there is so much to see. Joining a guided tour or a ranger-led walk is a great way to learn more, but it’s just not convenient for every visitor. Free podcasts give us a great opportunity to highlight the very best of the Trust’s properties. Whether it’s a secluded spot in a beautiful garden, an impressive mountain vista or a fascinating fact about village life, there is something extra in there for our visitors. We hope the downloads will be used by visitors of all ages who want to get even more out of their time at a Trust property.”
 

Experts and volunteers from conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland check on whether any bats have made their home at Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Stirling on Wednesday 18 June and Moirlanich Longhouse, near Killin on Thursday 19 June.

Seventeen Trust properties across Scotland are holding bat surveys over the next eight weeks.

While there are no known bat roosts or residents at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre, there are several roosts in the area. Experts will check the site for signs of the small, nocturnal mammals during the visit next week.

At the longhouse, there has been a bat roost in the past. The monitoring team will check for new activity.

The charity is keen to establish exactly where the bats live and which species are present, as part of its ongoing work to protect and conserve the legally-protected mammals and their roosts.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser said:

“Bats can be tricky to find because they are so small. They can squeeze into incredibly tight gaps and live in inaccessible parts of buildings and trees. We don’t know of any roosting at the visitor centre at Bannockburn, but it’s important to check so that we can make sure these creatures and their habitats are not disturbed.”
 

Experts and volunteers from conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland check on whether any bats have made their home at Weaver’s Cottage, Kilbarchan on Tuesday 17 June.

The cottage, which is cared for by the Trust, is one of seventeen Trust properties holding bat surveys over the next eight weeks.

There are no known bat roosts or residents at Weaver’s Cottage, but experts will check the site for signs of the small, nocturnal mammals during a visit next week.

The charity is keen to establish exactly where the bats live and which species are present, as part of its ongoing work to protect and conserve the legally-protected mammals and their roosts.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser said:

“Bats can be tricky to find because they are so small. They can squeeze into incredibly tight gaps and live in inaccessible parts of buildings and trees. We don’t know of any roosting at Weaver’s Cottage, but it’s important to check so that we can make sure these creatures and their habitats are not disturbed.”
 

One of Shakespeare’s best-loved works gets an airing in the dramatic setting of Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire on the evening of Tuesday 17 June.

The Merry Wives of Windsor will be performed by open-air theatre specialists, Illyria. The play deals with those fundamental themes of love, jealousy and revenge.

Jackie Fisher, Custodian at the castle, said:

“Open air theatre is a fantastic experience at Drum, where the castle provides just as much drama as the content of the play. We hope visitors will get a real sense of the medieval at this performance, which will really bring the tale to life.”

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for children. To book, please call 0844 493 2167.
 

Experts and volunteers from conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland this week began the tricky task of finding and counting bats that call some of Scotland’s most iconic buildings home.

Eagle-eyed bat experts will take up post at seventeen Trust properties over the next eight weeks. During the project – one of the biggest of its kind in Scotland – conservationists will count and catalogue bats residing at buildings created by some of Scotland’s most famous architects, as well as glorious gardens.

Bats can be found at 75% of Trust properties, including Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, near Helensburgh, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s villa at Holmwood in Glasgow, Mary Queen of Scots’ Falkland Palace in Fife, one of Glasgow’s oldest buildings, Provan Hall, near Easterhouse, and the Pineapple, near Falkirk.

The charity is keen to establish exactly where the bats live and which species are present, as part of its ongoing work to protect and conserve the legally-protected mammals and their roosts.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser said:

“Bats can be tricky to find because they are so small. They can squeeze into incredibly tight gaps and live in inaccessible parts of buildings and trees. This makes taking a census challenging, but it is vital so that we can ensure we do not disturb roosts while we are going about our other work.

“For example, we recently completed building works at Kellie Castle in Fife without blocking up the entries to the roost. We couldn’t have done this without the information gathered at our last bat survey.

“Bat populations have had a hard time in the past but there are now signs that some species are recovering. They still need our help though to tackle their biggest threats - the destruction of roost sites and the habitats where they hunt for insects.

“This census will give us information to monitor the bat populations on our land and to see whether our work is having the positive effect intended. We’ll be able to monitor whether creating new wildflower meadows, or managing our trees and woodland is increasing the food available to bats and boosting populations.

“We hope this project will make others think about bats but it will certainly allow the Trust to keep one of its most interesting residents happy.”
 

Artworks inspired by the iconic sculptural centerpiece at the National Trust for Scotland’s Greenbank Garden go on display this weekend (Saturday 14 June).

The art was created by students at Cardonald College and inspired by the famous Foam fountain, at the charity’s Clarkston property.

Foam was forged in 1938 by Charles D’Orville Pilkington Jackson for display at the Glasgow Empire Fair. The beautiful figure has inspired visitors, staff and volunteers at Greenbank Garden since 1986. That inspiration has now extended to include a group of young artists as they master their craft.

Around a dozen unique pieces will be dotted throughout the gardens for the next few weeks and visitors will be taken on guided walks through the grounds.

Property Manager David Ferguson said:

“Foam was created specifically for Glasgow, which we know has a vibrant and thriving art scene. It’s great to see this wonderful work of art inspiring the artists of the future, who are adding something new to our glorious garden at Greenbank.”

Greenbank Garden is open from 9.30 to sunset every day. Entry costs £5 for an adult and £14 for a family, or is free to members of the National Trust for Scotland.
 

It is even easier for volunteers to get involved in caring for some of Scotland’s cultural and natural treasures thanks to the relaunch of the National Trust for Scotland’s Volunteering website.

New features at www.nts.org.uk/volunteering include an online recruitment section that advertises opportunities for prospective volunteers to get involved in the Trust’s work across Scotland. There will be the option to apply online, or register for updates on future opportunities.

The revamped site gives interested parties plenty of information about the types of volunteering offered by the Trust – everything from guiding at a historic house or battlefield, helping out with school visits or getting hands-on in the countryside.

Inspiring stories from committed volunteers also feature on the site, telling browsers exactly why it is such a good thing to get involved with the Trust.

ProjectScotland volunteer, Alice MacNeil spent six months with the Trust.

She said:
“I've always enjoyed giving back to the community and so I knew that I wanted to combine my interest in heritage with volunteering in my gap year. I also knew that I wanted to do this at the National Trust for Scotland because of its involvement throughout Scotland as a conservation charity. It's amazing the variety of people I've met and projects I've been involved in over such a small space of time.”
Head of Volunteering Violet Dalton said:

“Volunteers make such a vital contribution to the work of the Trust and we wanted to make it even easier for even more people to take part.

“We currently have over 3000 fantastic volunteers dedicating their time and skills to the National Trust for Scotland.

“Whether you fancy getting involved in guiding and bringing history to life at our properties, or you are keen on all things green and want to help out at one of our gardens, we always have a wide range of opportunities available.

“The new website will make it easier for our properties to track down the right people and for potential volunteers to see what’s on offer and apply, giving more people the chance to get involved with our work and help protect and preserve some of Scotland’s most iconic buildings and beautiful scenery.”
 

Lovers of literature will sample the sights and smells at some of the Borders most glorious gardens, as conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland plays host to the Borders Book Festival for the second year running.

In between author events, visitors can get lost in the magic of the charming walled garden, set against the backdrop of a beautiful Georgian house.

Property Manager Paul Forrest said:

“Harmony Garden is at its best right now. Flowers are in full bloom so there’s plenty of vibrant colour and scent fro visitors to enjoy. The kitchen garden is fully stocked with produce, and a wide selection of organic fruit and vegetable will be going on sale in our shop later in the summer.

“Visitors might like to pop into neighbouring Priorwood Garden too, where you can see the beautiful blooms being harvested and dried to create the stunning dried flower displays for which Priorwood is well-known.”

Robert Smail’s, the Trust’s fully operational Victorian Printing Works in Innerleithen, will also be at the festival and holding drop-in events and workshops for younger visitors to make their very own ‘2008: Year of the Printed Word’ Bookplates and mini notebooks.

The Trust is also launching its new self-catering flat at Priorwood Garden and visitors will be treated to a sneak preview.

National Holidays Manager, Anne Campbell said:

“The new flat sleeps two people and is ideally located for exploring the Borders and walking in the Eildon Hills. Many people don’t realise the Trust has over 60 self-catering properties so we’re inviting visitors to come and look around and find out more about our holiday accommodation.”

The Borders Book Festival takes place between 19 and 22 June in Melrose. For more information, visit www.bordersbookfestival.org
 

The plan which sets out exactly how the National Trust for Scotland will care for the dual World Heritage Site, St Kilda is due to be reviewed.

The Trust is committed to protecting and preserving these incredible islands which are is close to the hearts of many. To do this, the conservation charity draws up a Management Plan which sets out the significance of and long term vision for the islands. In addition, it sets out the key conservation and management priorities for the islands for the coming years.

The St Kilda Management Plan is now due for review. To help the Trust draw up its new plan, colleagues from the conservation charity want to engage with as many people as possible.

Vicky Cairns, Management Planner at the Trust is leading the review project. She said:

“Over the next 18 months we will be working with our partners and stakeholders, and seeking the views of local communities and members of the public on a variety of issues.

“We are only starting out on this process, but we will be providing progress reports on the St Kilda website, www.kilda.org.uk.

“We are looking to run a web based consultation towards the end of this year and start of 2009. Please check from time to time on our progress and take part in the consultation when it is launched.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland charity held a public meeting at its Inverewe Garden property on Monday 9 June to listen to local opinion about access issues to the Garden.

Attended by over 100 people in the Wester Ross community around Poolewe, local concern focussed on access to the Garden in the evening and the issuing of free passes to residents living in the Wester Loch Ewe area.

As regards the local passes the Trust has deferred a decision for six months, to allow the gathering of information on the exact number of Wester Loch Ewe free passes there are in circulation and exactly how frequently they are used.

This would allow the Trust to look at any potential charges for such passes that might be introduced in the future, to cover the costs of administration and to ensure the charity is treated fairly.

The Trust confirmed its decision to maintain the extended summer opening time of the visitors centre and retail shop until 1800 and has decided that it will allow the previous practice of evening entry with an honesty box for donations to remain for a one month period. This offers the Trust time to explore all practical options to allow later admission to the Garden, whilst protecting the charity’s overall income at the property.

Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of the Trust said:

“This is likely to be either through visitors entry being registered by a turnstyle or having volunteers to operate a gate. But regardless of what changes we introduce in the future, visitors can still continue to leave the Garden at their leisure through an exit-only gate and our existing winter access in daylight hours won’t change.”

The Trust will continue to look at ways to bring in additional income through other means, including a fresh look at events and a wider range of marketing initiatives for the retail shop and property in general and also consideration over the future use of Inverewe House.

At its peak 15 years ago, Inverewe Garden welcomed 133,000 visitors but last year this had dropped to 77,000 and further UK-wide economic pressure is making it increasingly difficult for individual Trust properties, such as Inverewe Garden, to keep income in line with expenditure.

Mark Adderley added:

“We are first and foremost a charity and rely on membership for a large part of our income. There are considerable pressures on our finances and at Inverewe, like all our 129 properties, we simply have to look at ways to protect our revenue. But we will do so in a way that helps keep Inverewe Garden as open as we possibly can, for our members, visitors and the local community.

“The reality is we need our local supporters to come forward and volunteer to help us administer later entrance and we are appealing to all those interested to contact us to help make this a reality.

“It’s a two way thing, as the future success of Inverewe Garden is important not just to the Trust but also to the local community, as it is an important tourist attraction for the area. So the Garden needs the community and the community needs the Garden.”

The Trust will work with the local community to help establish a Friends of Inverewe Garden group to improve local communications and relations. Such a group would help ensure that everybody plays a part in improving the financial health of the property and the community, to provide a world class amenity for everyone to enjoy.
 

Walk amongst the wonderful wildflowers in the National Trust for Scotland’s David Livingstone Centre on Saturday 21 June at 1pm.

Visitors will be treated to a guided walk through the grounds at the Lanarkshire centre which commemorates the life of one of Scotland’s most intrepid characters.

Stuart Whittaker, a committed staff member at the conservation charity will lead the walk which aims to increase awareness of the beauty of wildflowers. There is a good chance of spotting wildlife too on the wander.

Stuart, who is the retail manager at the centre, said:

“The garden and grounds at the David Livingstone Centre are really beautiful and this walk is a great opportunity for visitors to see more, enjoy some our most lovely wild plants and hopefully spot some interesting wildlife too.”

Walkers should wear stout footwear. Booking is essential. Please call Stuart Whittaker on 0844 493 2100.
 

Canna, the National Trust for Scotland’s island property, will be officially declared rat-free during a visit by Environment Minister Mike Russell today (Saturday 7 June).

The Minister is on Canna as the conservation charity’s three-year programme to conserve the island’s internationally important seabird population through the eradication of rats draws to a successful conclusion.

The last confirmed rat sighting was in February 2006. Now that two years have passed since that last sighting, the island can officially be labelled rat-free.

Environment Minister Mike Russell said:

“Rats, while being fairly innocuous creatures in their natural environment, can have a devastating impact in a fragile ecosystem such as that of Canna.

“I am delighted to see the island declared officially rat-free and look forward to seeing its seabird population flourish.”

Richard Luxmoore, Senior Nature Conservation Adviser with the Trust, said:

“Canna is such an important habitat for seabirds in Scotland that we simply had to act to protect this important site and give our seabirds every chance to thrive.

“Seabirds face so many threats from nature and man and need our help and protection. As a conservation charity, we had to remove the threat of predation from rats which we hope will boost bird numbers in the long term. The seabirds are being monitored over this summer to see just what impact our efforts have had, but already things are looking good. We have already had the first recorded breeding of Manx shearwaters for over ten years.”

The project to protect Canna’s internationally important seabird colonies began in 2005, after several years of research by the conservation charity which decided it must act to prevent the decline of bird populations. Rats were eating the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting seabirds and this was seriously affecting their numbers.

The island’s entire rat population, estimated to have been up to 10,000, was trapped and poisoned throughout the project, using specialist knowledge of New Zealand experts, Trust staff and a large team of volunteers.

Wax blocks, impregnated with poison, were used to kill the rats in 4,200 bait stations set up across the island. Each station was checked twice a week. Two years of intensive monitoring has now confirmed that every last rat is dead.

During the work to eradicate rats, steps also had to be taken to preserve a population of distinctive Canna fieldmice. Project partners, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) captured and kept a population of mice at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park for the duration of the project. Their studies have shown that the mouse population has returned to thriving condition since the project.

The project to protect Canna’s seabirds cost less than its estimated £500,000 and was funded by the European LIFE Nature fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland.

 

If you are looking for inspiration on how to make this Father’s Day extra special, look no further than the National Trust for Scotland.

There are loads of fantastic events going on at the charity’s properties across Scotland on Sunday 15 June for dads and their families to enjoy together.

Take a trip back in time at Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire with Medieval Moments – a fantastic chance to discover what it would take to be a knight of the realm.

Drink in the dramatic views during a Land Rover safari in the stunning setting of Glencoe, or get close to nature with their ranger-led walks at Culzean Country Park, Ayrshire.

Does your dad love to shop? Treat him to a homemade treasure at the craft sale at Angus Folk Museum, Glamis near Forfar.

If food is the way to your dad’s heart, the Trust can help here too. With many fantastic tearooms and restaurants all over Scotland, you are sure to find the perfect venue for lunch. The hearty fare at Pollok House is sure to go down well.

Many properties provide the perfect setting to spend quality time with your dad. Why not throw around a Frisbee at Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire, or for the more adventurous, take to the seas at Kintail on a sea kayaking course.

Director of Commercial Services and Marketing, Henk Berits said:

“There is so much going on at the National Trust for Scotland, and so much of it on our doorsteps. Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore that property you have passed often, but never visited before. Many of our properties have special events organised for Father’s Day, so you are sure to find something to make your dad’s day special – and you’ll be helping to support the important conservation work that is the lifeblood of our charity.

“And of course, we offer the perfect present for any doting dad – membership to the National Trust for Scotland costs £5 each month for a family, giving access to over 300 properties across throughout Scotland and the UK and helping to support our efforts to protect and preserve Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage.”
 

Indulge your creative side with a handmade treat on Sunday 15 June at the National Trust for Scotland’s Angus Folk Museum in Glamis.

A special selection of handmade products and produce ranging from woodcrafts, handmade soaps and jewelry to delicious homemade jams and chutneys will be on sale at the event next weekend.

Tastebuds will also get a treat at the barbeque which will be fired up especially for Father’s Day.

Property Manager Fiona Caldwell said:

“Scotland has a strong creative tradition and we celebrate some of that at the Folk Museum. The sale is a great chance to check out the museum, learn more about the fascinating history of our local area and pick up an unusual and hand-crafted trinket or two at the same time. If you’ve been stuck for that unusual Father’s Day gift, there could well be come inspiring options on sale here.”

The produce sale takes place on Sunday 15 June and admission is free, both to the sale and the Angus Folk Museum.
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, embraced the digital age today as it launched a series of podcasts to take visitors on scenic walks round some of its most iconic properties.

The Culross podcast is the first in a series of six walking podcasts available for free download at www.nts.org.uk/Multimedia . They have been recorded on location at Trust properties with contributions from property staff, gardeners, rangers and volunteers.

The podcasts are designed to encourage visitors to enjoy walking at Trust properties and include a wildlife walk at Glencoe, a wander around the tranquil Priorwood and Harmony gardens in Melrose, a woodland walk at the Hermitage, a walk around the wider estate at Crathes Castle and a stroll around the medieval streets of Culross – one of the finest surviving examples of a 16th and 17th century Scottish burgh.

Marketing Manager Clare Willis said:

“Many of our properties are ideal for walks and are open all year round. Joining a guided tour or a ranger-led walk is a great way to learn more, but it’s just not convenient for every visitor. Free podcasts give us a great opportunity to highlight the very best of the Trust’s properties. Whether it’s a secluded spot in a beautiful garden, an impressive mountain vista or a fascinating fact about village life, there is something extra in there for our visitors. We hope the downloads will be used by visitors of all ages who want to get even more out of their time at a Trust property.”

Longstanding Trust volunteer and keen walker, Elizabeth McLeod (70) helped pilot the podcasts. She said:

“The Culross podcast was fascinating to listen to and very easy to use. I found out some very interesting facts about the village too. For example I never knew that the central area of the Back Causeway was reserved for the wealthy, whilst the commoner had to walk in the gutter. I’ll be careful where I walk from now on!”

The Trust teamed up with Berwick based Webcast Productions to produce the podcasts, which will be hosted on the Trust’s website either to listen to online or to download onto an MP3 player. They are presented by Keith Allan, one time BBC Radio presenter and reporter who has worked for BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and Radio Scotland.