Fitting a crocodile for false teeth is not a job for the faint-hearted, but staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s JM Barrie’s Birthplace in Kirriemuir are searching for a craftsman who is up to that very challenge.

A wooden version of the crocodile character from Peter Pan can be found in the garden at Barrie’s childhood home. Recently, though the crocodile has lost a few teeth, causing his smile to be more crooked than ever.

More 2500 people have visited the author’s birthplace in 2008 and the crocodile is popular with visitors of all ages.

Recently-appointed Property Manager, John McKenna is determined to get the garden’s well-known resident grinning again. He said:

“When I started work with the National Trust for Scotland I did not imagine that one of my first tasks would be replacing teeth on a wooden crocodile.

“The crocodile is very popular with visitors and if there are any local carpenters who are brave enough to take on this unique project and who would be willing to donate their time and expertise, please get in touch.”

Please contact John on 0844 493 2142 for more information on the project.

JM Barrie’s Birthplace is open Saturday – Wednesday from 12pm – 5pm (1pm – 5pm on Sundays).
 

The National Trust for Scotland is asking its supporters to leave more than footprints at the mountain ranges under its care - the conservation charity is looking for donations to help maintain its mountain paths.

The Trust, which looks after some of Scotland’s most popular mountain landscapes, including Torridon, Glencoe and Kintail, is launching a public appeal to raise funds for ongoing repairs to pathways in these areas.

Through its Sole Trading appeal, the charity hopes to raise £80,000 this year to fund the specialist, ongoing repair work needed to protect this fragile environment.

From Friday 29 August, donations to the appeal can be made at www.nts.org.uk/soletrading. The Trust is also mailing the appeal to 11,000 supporters across the country.

A dedicated National Trust for Scotland’s upland footpath team completed a major programme of work earlier this year to improve the path network at Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Mar Lodge Estate, Glencoe and Kintail and on Arran.

Together, the team care for more than 394 miles of mountain paths and spend 50 per cent of their work time at altitudes over 2500 feet.

Alasdair Eckersall, ranger at Ben Lomond, works closely with the team and provides management support. He said:

“The Trust is fortunate to care for some of Scotland’s most beautiful mountain areas, including more than 40 munros. Many of these are very popular with walkers and we need to raise extra funds, so we can continue with our repair work.

“Many thousands of visitors enjoy these landscapes every year. I hope that anyone taking advantage of the exhilarating climbs and stunning scenery will support our fundraising appeal by making a donation, so that visitors can continue to make the most of our glorious countryside now and for years to come.”

Bob Brown, contracts officer said:

“It is fantastic that we have now completed our major works across the country. The upgrades that we have made to paths in places like Torridon and Kintail have improved things for walkers, but more importantly will help protect the fragile environments that exist at these high altitudes. Such eco-systems are highly susceptible to erosion, which our work will help to minimise.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland's Annual General Meeting takes place at Aberdeen Exhibition Centre on Saturday 27 September 2008.

The AGM is an ideal opportunity for Trust members to hear first hand about the charity’s work and developments.

Members will also have the chance to ask questions and talk to Chairman Shonaig Macpherson and others involved in the Trust’s important conservation work.

For more information, visit www.nts.org.uk/About/agm_home.php .  

Keen divers and photographers focused on the fantastic marine life at St Abbs Marine Reserve last weekend, at the annual Splash In photography competition, organised by National Trust for Scotland Ranger, Liza Cole.

Some 35 entrants dealt with the challenging conditions to find some stunning images of the rich marine life at the reserve on Saturday 23 August. The swell and the recent heavy rain contributed to reduced underwater visibility.

Despite that, some stunning images were captured in all three categories - Marine Life Portrait, Reserve Atmospheric and Most Humorous Shot. The winning images were selected by an audience on Sunday 24 August.

The 2008 winners are:
• Marine Life Portrait category and overall winner - David Stephen with an image of a velvet swimming crab and a dahlia anemone.
• Reserve atmospheric category - Cathy Lewis, with a shot of a diver looking at a sunstar on a reef.
• Most Humorous Shot - Mike Clark with his image of an underwater gardener.

The lucky winners took home nearly £1,500 worth of prizes including meals for two and dive equipment. All prizes were generously donated by local, national & international businesses.

Marine Ranger, Liza Cole said:

“The Splash In not only provides a fantastic opportunity to promote the work that has been going on in the Voluntary Marine Reserve for over two decades, but also highlights the beauty of the underwater world to those who are not able to go and see it for themselves. Participants come to St Abbs from all over the country and the event is an enjoyable weekend for participants and locals alike.”

“The unique thing about the St Abbs Splash In, compared to similar competitions, is that young beginners like Robert compete alongside experienced photographers, some of whom have won national competitions. And because the winners are chosen by the audience of the Sunday night slide show rather than expert judges, images that are pleasing to the eye have as much chance of winning as those that are technically excellent.”
 

An expert team of thatchers have been at work in Alloway this week, replacing the roof at Burns Cottage.

The work is in preparation for the National Trust for Scotland’s project to provide a fitting legacy for Burns.

The plans include creating a world-class Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway in 2010, carrying out a 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.

Curator David Hopes said:

“Re-thatching the cottage is just one of the early improvements to Burns Cottage we can expect to see, which includes an exciting reinterpretation, which will help enhance people’s understanding and appreciation of Burns.

“We’ll be donating some of the original thatch to Hansel Village for use in their craft activities. This is very appropriate as Burns used the word ‘hansel’ to mean ‘gift’.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland charity has appointed leading marketing agency, DADA, to carry out a two year integrated campaign for their largest and most ambitious project to date - the new multi million pound Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Ayrshire.

Pitching successfully against tough competition, DADA is appointed to deliver a fully integrated campaign for the museum project, which is due for completion in 2010. Costing in the region of £21 million, the ambitious new ‘Robert Burns Birthplace Museum’ project is set to become one of the UK’s most prestigious and historically rich visitor destinations. This world class attraction is the largest project the National Trust for Scotland has ever undertaken and will epitomize Scotland’s proud heritage, paying homage to the nation's most heroic son – Robert Burns.

Dee McIntosh, Director of Policy and Communications for the National Trust for Scotland said:

“DADA emerged as clear winners in a very intense pitch process and exceeded our brief, which was to create a campaign that would really push the boundaries and help the charity create a legacy which will be there for generations to come.

“We were looking for an agency which could deliver at many levels and bring a dynamic approach to the promotion of a really ambitious and important initiative not just for the Trust but for Scotland. We liked DADA's imagination and confidence and they convinced us they were up for the challenge.”

Oli Norman, Managing Director of DADA added:

“This is a fantastic achievement for DADA – nothing could be more exciting than being involved in such a prestigious project which honours one of Scotland’s cultural icons. Our campaign will deliver clever and highly creative marketing and we cannot wait to get started”.
 

Read the full report at at www.nts.org.uk/About/.  

In a year when the National Trust for Scotland has continued on a journey of change, to make the charity more relevant to Scotland today and position it at the Heart of the Nation, its annual accounts this week show an improved financial performance compared to budget but operationally the Trust still remains in deficit.

The conservation charity is chaired by Shonaig Macpherson CBE. Commenting on the Trust she said:

“We have implemented some structural changes this year and taken steps to become more efficient, as part of our plan to provide a sustainable financial future for the charity. In seeking to achieve this, we ensured the Trust remains true to our core purposes of conservation, access, education and enjoyment.

“Some progress has been made but there’s no doubt we still have a long way to go. This is a complex organisation and competition is stiff in the heritage conservation sector. We will have to continue to identify efficiencies and further improve how we engage with our membership and the Scottish people in general.”

The charity is a £38 million operation and the largest membership organisation in Scotland. It started the financial year (February 2007 - February 2008) with the aim of improving its budgeted operational position by £3 million over three years.

Commenting on the results in the 2007/08 Annual Review, the charity’s Finance Director Lesley Watt said:

“The Trust’s overall financial position remains tight but under strong control and we are in line with our three-year projections.

“Income and expenditure performance was better than expected, mainly due to increased membership income up 13% to £9.5 million and investment income up over £1 million to £6.1 million.

“However this was offset by a reduction of £1.2 million in the value of general legacies received. The Trust’s total funds fell in value in this financial year by £12 million as a result of the deteriorating situation in the stock market due to the credit crunch.

“Furthermore, the economic climate in recent weeks, together with rising fuel costs, means the Trust can expect visitor numbers to our properties to be under pressure. In addition, increasing competition for the “leisure pound” in what has become a crowded heritage and cultural sector, means that the Trust must continue to find new ways to attract visitors.”

Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland added:

“Operationally, savings have been made in some of our non-property related activity. We are reviewing and improving good business practices, such as better buying of products and services, and better use of buildings to bring in additional revenue. But we urgently need to invest more in an IT infrastructure to allow us to use data more effectively to support our properties and further improve decision-making at all levels.”

The Trust’s work is about caring for Scotland’s heritage - working in the present to ensure that the things the charity owns, manages or cares for are passed to others in the future. Conservation and access to our heritage - from the dual world heritage site of St Kilda to the early 20th century first floor Tenement House in the heart of Glasgow - remain the principal objectives. The Trust is also supporting greener transport options by promoting alternative and more sustainable transport routes to its properties, starting with the most visited ones.

A highlight of this year has been the completion of the £9.5 million Culloden Battlefield Memorial Project. Chairman Shonaig Macpherson CBE added:

“The new centre at Culloden has set the standard for others to follow. We have restored the battlefield at Culloden and the creation of the new visitor centre was opened to the public in December. The inspiring exhibition challenges the myths and romanticism that surrounded the 1745 Jacobite Rising, contributing to a better understanding of the events that had such far-reaching consequences for Scotland and beyond.

“The new visitor centre makes full use of the most advanced interpretive techniques available and we aspire to introduce that level of excellence in interpretation in our other properties, to better explain their importance, our conservation work, and to encourage more people to visit and enjoy our properties and support our work.”

The Culloden Project has helped increase Trust membership which at the end of February had risen to 306,000 and membership continues to be the largest source of net income for the Trust. Chairman Shonaig Macpherson concluded:

“It is important that the Trust continues with our programme for change, to make us as fit for purpose as possible, and to enable us to deliver our conservation work. We must continue on our journey to the heart of the nation, especially at a time when there is renewed interest in Scotland’s national identity, heritage and culture.”
 

With The Dark Knight in its fourth week as the UK’s most popular movie, the National Trust for Scotland is giving visitors the chance to learn more about bats – the creatures that inspired Bruce Wayne’s crime-fighting alter-ego.

The fascinating creatures are resident at many of the conservation charity’s properties. Throughout the next few months there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to learn more about these tiny, nocturnal animals.

Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway is one of the best properties to spot bats, with seven different species based there. Culzean Castle and Country Park in Ayrshire, Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire and Hill of Tarvit in Fife are also home to thriving populations.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser is the conservation charity’s bat expert. He said:

“Bats are absolutely fascinating creatures and are badly misunderstood. People don’t need to be afraid of these highly-gifted small mammals which often set up home in our houses and trees. We need to get past old myths and see bats in a different light. How many mammals fly and use echolocation technology to catch food?

“However, unless we work together to conserve these animals, my children will be lucky if they can watch bats flitting about the skies at dusk in the future. They are one of the easiest animals to watch and it’s no coincidence that many of our most popular guided walks are those that go out looking for bats.”

There are bat-related events planned at Trust properties across Scotland for the next few months. Highlights include:

Bat Detectives, Inverewe Garden, Ross-shire – Monday 25 August, 8pm. For booking and information, call 01445 781229.

Bat Walk, David Livingstone Centre, nr Blantyre – Thursday 28 August and Thursday 18 September, 8.15pm. For booking and information, call 0844 493 2207.

Bat Weekend, Culzean Castle and Country Park, Ayrshire - Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August, 7.30pm. For booking and information, call 0844 493 2149.
 

One of the nation’s best-known and respected antique-lovers has arranged an arty donation to help the National Trust for Scotland conservation charity raise funds to benefit one of its most iconic properties.

Eric Knowles, from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Moorcroft director, was instrumental in arranging the donation of the beautiful Mackintosh-inspired vase by one of Moorcroft Pottery’s leading designers, Nicola Slaney. The vase is the prize in a raffle to raise funds for The Hill House in Helensburgh - the iconic property that was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Mr Knowles is a long-time supporter of The Hill House and describes it as being, “without a doubt the jewel in the crown of The National Trust for Scotland”.

The draw for the White Ladies vase takes place in December this year, so a lucky art-lover could see in the New Year in 2009 with the contemporary collector’s piece. The vase is worth in excess of £2000 and references Mackintosh’s famous Glasgow rose and art-nouveau female figures.

Mr Knowles said:

“I was very impressed with The White Ladies design, which instantly reminded me of Mackintosh’s ‘kimono’ cabinet in which these shrouded ladies appear. Designer Nicola Slaney has created a most fitting interpretation, in my opinion.”

Karen Fenwick, from the National Trust for Scotland’s The Hill House said:

“We are very fortunate to have such a strong supporter in the form of Mr Knowles. We really welcome his generous donation which will help us to raise extra income, so we can continue to ensure The Hill House and its valuable collections receive the top-quality care they deserve.”

Mr Knowles will visit The Hill House on 2 September to open “Moorcroft’s New Dawn: 111 years of Design Evolution”. This invitation only evening is the start of an exciting exhibition by the Moorcroft Collectors’ Club, which is open to the public from 3 September until 31 October and will cover pieces from 1897 to the present day.

The White Ladies Vase will be on show at The Hill House until 31st October. Raffle tickets cost £1 each and are exclusively available through The Hill House. Please visit or phone on 0844 493 2208.
 

Visitors tackling the main route to the top of Ben Lomond will have an extra spring in their step thanks to recent refurbishment work on the path.

A mixture of work has brought a new lease of life to this popular route. Improvements to the path surface have made the going a little easier, landscaping has helped make the area more attractive and harvesting work has opened up some spectacular views across Loch Lomond.

The work has been carried out by Forestry Commission Scotland, which is responsible for the lower forest section of path, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland.

The full release is available online at: www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/WebPRByCountryLang/8A2ECC18989D098E802574A2004D48AE  

Innovative technology used at the National Trust for Scotland’s hugely-successful Culloden Centre near Inverness is in the running for another prestigious award.

The centre's ground-breaking hand-held battlefield guides have been nominated for a Scottish Thistle Award for Innovation. The Scottish Thistle Awards take place in Edinburgh on 3 October 2008.

Developed by Inverness-based Zolk-C, the devices provide character accounts, archaeological evidence, and real-life sound effects which are triggered automatically as visitors walk across the historic moor. They help to create an interactive experience, which does not detract from the authenticity of the site.

The device already took the top spot in the ‘Use of Technology’ category at the prestigious Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence in May this year.

This nomination is the latest recognition of the innovation and fantastic visitor experience offered by the £9.5 million project to revamp the battlefield and visitor centre. The new centre opened to the public in December 2007 and has established itself as a must-see destination in the Highlands.

Culloden General Manager, Deirdre Smyth said:

“The battlefield guide is a prime example of the innovative and exciting approach the Trust took to its Culloden project. This technology really adds to the visitors’ experience and it’s fantastic to see that innovation being recognised with another award nomination.”

 

Bill Oddie added his weight to a £1.5m appeal to help fund a new seabird observatory on Fair Isle, the remote Scottish island owned by the National Trust for Scotland charity.

The Bird Observatory on Fair Isle is known to ornithologists around the world - famous for its rare bird migrants and spectacular seabirds - and the appeal is being launched by the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust.

For 60 years the observatory has attracted visitors to the UK’s most remote inhabited island and has become the lynchpin of the island’s economy. Now it has to be replaced with a new Observatory to open in 2010.

The new building will be a modern, eco-friendly place for people to stay and will cost £4 million, over a quarter of which has already been pledged by Shetland Islands Council. Other public funds are being sought - but the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust needs to raise £1.5 million through individual donations.

The latest seabird research from the Observatory confirms that many birds are suffering another disastrous breeding season. Scientists are trying to assess the impact and growing threat from climate change. So, there’s never been a more important time to support the role of the Observatory as it continues its seabird studies, as well as the other long term work on migration and on the island’s resident birds.

Bill Oddie, a regular visitor to the Observatory, is giving his public backing to the Appeal at the Rutland Bird Fair this weekend, August 16th/17th. Bill said: “Fair Isle is one of my favourite birding locations. I first went as a schoolboy, a visit to my ornithological mecca – I’ve been back many times and seen some cracking rare birds. I encourage everyone to donate generously and help build the new Observatory – and I hope to be one of its first birding visitors”

Roy Dennis, chairman of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, said: "This is a very great challenge for us. 60 years of birding tourism, migration studies and seabird research under our belt and now we plan for an important and exciting future. Please donate what you can and help us achieve our goal to open our brand new Fair Isle Bird Observatory in 2010”

Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland charity, who own Fair Isle, visited last month and was thrilled by what he saw. He also adds Trust weight to the FIBO Trust appeal.

"I visited Fair Isle in July as a volunteer on one of our Thistle Camps and listened to the islanders’ thoughts for the island going forward. We have supported many initiatives to boost the Fair Isle economy over the years and we commend the Fair Isle Bird Observatory directors in their ambitious and committed goal to build a new observatory and lodge on the island.”

Fiona Mitchell of the island’s shop, the Stackhoull Store, says it's vital to have a new building: "It gives us confidence for the future of the Isle. The visitors to the Observatory are not only vital to our economy, but also to keeping our transport links. Whether they buy a postcard in the shop or a piece of Fair Isle knitwear - it all helps."

The thousands of visitors who travel to Fair Isle mainly go for the birdlife and the chance to see a rare migrant. All leave with lasting memories of island life. The welcome, the work of the Observatory and the way of life are closely linked. The Bird Observatory Trust is determined not to lose them.

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust is an independent charity, which is totally self-funded and reliant on revenue from visitors. It is appealing for donations to the FIBOT New Building Fund, www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk.

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Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, visited the charity’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre on 4 August to experience first hand the award winning new centre and to promote the Homecoming 2009 event.

The First Minister was impressed with what he described as a “first class” Centre that will play a key part in Homecoming Scotland 2009. He said, “The 1746 Battle of Culloden is a hugely significant part of Scots history. The Culloden Visitor Centre has recreated that experience through its battlefield and interactive exhibition featuring Jacobite characters from the 18th century. It is a first class tourist attraction and an innovative record of a vital part of Scotland’s history.”

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is the Scottish Government’s initiative to encourage Scots and friends and family from around the world to come and celebrate Scotland’s history, heritage and culture, during a year which marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Mr Salmond was hopeful that Homecoming 2009 would be a boost for Scottish tourism, remarking that there is already a surge of bookings in flights to Scotland for the events next year.

The Culloden Battlefield, one of four Scottish battlefield sites owned by the National Trust for Scotland charity, will be an important destination for people to visit during the Homecoming year, as part of hundreds of events planned around the country, over 50 locations.

Seven year old Philip Nicol, one of the two young descendents from soldiers who fought on either side of the battle in 1746, who officially opened the centre on 16 April this year, happened to be visiting Culloden on 4 August with his parents, so young Philip helped show Mr Salmond around the property.

Dee McIntosh, Director of Policy & Communications for the Trust, was also on site to greet the First Minister. She commented, “As a conservation charity with a key role in preserving and celebrating Scotland’s culture, the National Trust for Scotland plans to play a full part in Homecoming 2009. We are fortunate to have many properties all over Scotland with important links to the Homecoming themes, so there will be a lot going on at our properties, including Culloden’s fantastic ‘Battle to Exile’ event.

“Homecoming 2009 is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Scotland’s natural and cultural treasures and we look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government, to play our part in ensuring it is a success.”

Homecoming 2009 begins on Burns Night, 25 January, with a finale on St Andrews Day on 30 November. To find out more about Homecoming 2009 visit www.homecomingscotland2009.com