NEWS

Edinburgh will play host to an exhibition that combines and contrasts work from different media at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land from Tuesday 15 December.

“Alchemy” features work from a trio of very different Scots artists. David Mathieson’s oil paintings evoke the land and seascapes of the modern world, while Gareth Timms’ photos of the natural world are often hauntingly serene. Christina Rose Leon, meanwhile, is a silversmith and jeweler whose work takes on a wide range of forms largely inspired by Egyptian and Victorian design.

While each artist will have work of their own on display, some pieces are collaborations between Mathieson and Timms. Using digital photography technology, the artists are able to combine painting with photograph to unique visual effect.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 15th December 2009 to Sunday 3 January 2010. Admission to the gallery is free, and opening times are from 11:00 to 18:30.

Work shown is a collaboration of Mathieson and Timms, where a photo and painting are combined into a single work.
 

Gardeners can combine Christmas and horticulture on Saturday 12 December, as the monthly walk at the National Trust for Scotland’s Greenbank Garden in Clarkston takes on a festive note.

As well as the regular look at what’s doing well in the garden, expert Trust gardeners will give visitors advice on how to make Christmas decorations from the plants that grow there. As ever, they will be more than happy to answer any questions visitors may have and to give gardening tips for the winter months ahead.

The event runs from 14:30 to 16:00 on Saturday 12 December. Ticket price is included in admission cost. Bookings can be made by contacting the property on 0844 4932201.  

Glaswegians can celebrate Christmas in glorious surroundings at the National Trust for Scotland’s Holmwood House, Cathcart on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December.

Within the historic property, visitors can search for the perfect gift at a special seasonal Craft Fayre and within the property’s shop. Children are in for an extra special treat - Santa will be waiting for them in his grotto, with a special early Christmas gift in store if they’ve been good!

The event runs from 12:00 to 17:00 on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December and costs £4 for children and £2 for adults. A gift is included in the children’s admission price.  

Flower-lovers from all round Argyll and Bute will have the chance to pick up some of Crarae Garden’s beautiful rhododendrons in time for Christmas from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December.

A wide variety of seedlings be available to buy, with most coming from fantastic larged-leaved species. Visitors can pick up more than just rhododendrons while enjoying the Garden- the shop and visitor centre will both be open with a selection of Christmas gifts on show.

The event runs from 11:00 to 17:00 on Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December. Ticket price is included in admission cost.
 

Barry Mill, the National Trust for Scotland’s historic water mill near Carnoustie, has been upgraded to a Category A listed building.

Historic Scotland said that the new grading more closely reflects the special architectural or historic interest of the property – a rare, surviving and operational example of a meal mill, which has been cared for by the conservation charity since 1988.

A number of the 19th century mill’s features merited special mention, including the Angus-type semicircular kiln, which was described as outstanding and its well-preserved interior workings.

Property Manager Peter Ellis said:

“Barry Mill is a fine example of a working, water-powered mill. One of the very last working mills of its type in the whole of Scotland, it offers a unique insight into the central role that mills played in the everyday lives of people in rural communities.

“In a climate where energy efficiency matters, the mill provides us with many lessons that we can draw on in order to understand the value of using local natural resources. We are pleased that the property’s listing has been upgraded, which will help ensure that its significance remains for future generations.”

Barry Mill re-opens for visitors in Spring 2010, when the property will provide guided tours, milling and water-wheel demonstrations.  

George Reid writes on work done during November, the review process, the opportunities for participation and the emerging issues.

The full report is attached.

For more information on the Strategic Review, visit: www.nts.org.uk/About/The-Review

Related Files

• Strategic Review - Report for November 2009 (PDF - 188.85 KB)

 

Staff and volunteers at the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave House and Garden in Castle Douglas are preparing to transform the stunning sandstone house into a winter wonderland for the festive season.

On Saturday 5 and 6 December, the beautiful Threave House’s hall will be decked with boughs of holly, its rooms will be filled with choruses of Christmas carols and festive fables will be brought to life for younger visitors.

Property Manager Sheila Innes said:

“Threave will be a magical place this festive season. The house is being transformed, with every room beautifully decorated. Santa will be here to see who has been naughty and nice. We’ll be encouraging kids to get out round our beautiful garden, with our fun Christmas Crackers trail and with lots of gifts and festive food on offer, it’s a great place to start the countdown to Christmas.”

Entry to Threave’s festive events - visits to Santa - £5 – includes gift, refreshment and entry to house. House only - £3 adult, £1 child.  

People from around South Lanarkshire are welcome to a night of festive carols at the National Trust for Scotland’s David Livingstone Centre on Friday 4 December.

The event, which is run in association with Hamilton North Church, provides the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit. With mulled wine and mince pies available to munch, visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy the evening.

The event runs from 19:30 to 22:00 on Friday 4 December and costs £5.

The David Livingstone Centre is open Mon–Sat 10.00 – 17.00, Sun 12.30 – 17.00 until 24 December.  

The famous roses at the National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle near Banchory will look even finer next summer, after a donation recognising the work of a dedicated volunteer.

ExxonMobil has donated £1000 towards the garden where Susanne Helwig, who is married to ExxonMobil staff member Juergen, volunteers. Susanne, who is from Aberdeen has been working in the garden since April this year.

The donation is made by the ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme which celebrates and recognises the contribution that ExxonMobil employees, retirees, and their family members make to their local communities.

Susanne is one of 15 volunteers who help keep the beautiful gardens and grounds at Drum Castle in excellent order, in all seasons. She has taken on particular responsibility for the medieval vegetable and herb potager garden, but helps with many other tasks in the garden.

Head Gardener at Drum Castle, Diana Robertson said:

“This very generous donation will be put to good use in our glorious garden. We are planning to buy a garden seat, a rope catenary and a collection of nineteenth century shrub roses.

“As a conservation charity, we are very grateful for the support of our volunteers and donors in helping us to carry out our vital conservation work – in this case – caring for one of Scotland’s most significant, and beautiful, rose gardens.”
 

Adults and children alike will be entertained at the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun, Montrose on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December as both Santa Claus and a seasonal craft fair visit the property.

In his grotto at the Angus house, Santa will be eager to collect children’s letters and listen to their wishes for the big day. He’ll also bring along special gifts as early Christmas presents, which children can open before visiting a festive crafty workshop.

And for older visitors, there will be a chance to catch up on some Christmas shopping from the range of locally produced crafts that will be for sale throughout the property, while the courtyard hosts both the Angus linen weavers and Angus craft association.

Café Dun will also be open throughout the day, allowing families to round off their visit with delicious lunch and cakes.

The event runs from 11:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. Admission to the craft fair costs £1 for adults, while tickets to see Santa are £5 for children.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Castle Fraser in Sauchen will be filled with festive music this December, as talented local groups perform a series of carol concerts in the Great Hall.

The performances begin with the Aberdeen Orpheus Choir on Sunday 6 December. The Inverurie Choral Society and the Granite City Chorus are also performing. The full programme is as follows:

Aberdeen Orpheus Choir
Sun 6 December - 14:00 - 16:00

Inverurie Choral Society
Tue 8 December - 19:30 - 21:30

Granite City Chorus
Thu 10 December - 19:30 - 21:30

Aberdeen Orpheus Choir
Fri 11 December - 19:30 - 21:30

City of Roses Chorus
Sat 12 December - 19:30 - 21:30

Tickets for all performances cost £10 for adults and £6 for children and concessions. Refreshments are included. Booking is advised – 0844 493 2164.

Then the Christmas fun steps up a gear, with the Castle Fraser Family weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December.

The stunning castle will stage Cluny Primary’s nativity play on Saturday 12 and there will be Christmas crafts for kids on Sunday 13.

Santa will be in his magical grotto both days, waiting to hear who has been naughty and nice.

Castle Fraser’s Family Christmas runs on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December from 11.00 to 16.30.  

Staff from Burns National Heritage Park will be on hand offering tours and giving an insight into the life of the young poet. And linking with Alloway’s agricultural heritage, the park will be visited by very special guests Pat and Tyde, two local heavy horses.

Director of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Nat Edwards, said: “This is an important milestone for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and we are looking forward to re-opening Burns Cottage to the public – we hope that families from around the country will join us at the Burns National Heritage Park to celebrate this exciting development on St Andrew’s Day.”

Burns Cottage closed on 5 October 2009 to allow for renovation and reinterpretation of the historic Scottish landmark as part of the £21m Robert Burns Birthplace Museum project, which is scheduled for completion in September 2010.

£1m has been invested into the restoration and reinterpretation of Burns Cottage, the Education Pavilion (on the site of the former Burns Museum) and the smallholding surrounding the cottage.

The restoration of the cottage involved re-thatching the cottage’s roof, repainting the interior and exterior of the building and some core repairs. Items within the cottage have been carefully conserved by the National Trust for Scotland’s team of Burns experts including conservator Sylvia Krauss and curator of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum David Hopes.

A newly created tartan blanket, woven on a 200 year loom at another National Trust for Scotland property - the Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan - will also be displayed on the bed where the bard was born. Hundreds of Burns enthusiasts visited the Weaver’s Cottage to watch property manager and expert weaver Christine MacLeod create the new blanket and help make rag rugs which will also go on display at Burns Cottage.

Additionally thought-provoking audio visual displays have been installed to bring Robert Burns’ story to life in an authentic manner, aiming to inspire guests by giving them a realistic look into his life,.

The site of the old Burns Museum has undergone extensive renovation to create The Education Pavilion which will be the first education facility in Scotland to have dedicated Burns staff on site. The Pavilion has three education spaces which will be filled with an exciting programme of educational facilities in addition to doubling up as an events area – allowing Burns Suppers and other events to take place just steps away from the birthplace of the Bard.

The area surrounding the smallholding of the Burns Cottage has been thoughtfully landscaped to open up views and enhance the feel of the rural setting which will link into the education programme and allow visitors to watch examples of rural and farming practices during Burns’ life.
 

Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, is preparing for another packed season of festive entertainment.

As Christmas day approaches, visitors to the Tam o’Shanter Experience Restaurant of the Ayrshire park can enjoy a number of festive performers.

On Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 December, the Alloway and Auchincruive Scottish Rural Women’s Institute Choir will return to the property due to popular demand, while on Sunday 6 December, the band Borealis will return to entertain with an easy listening programme of Christmas music.

On Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 December the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra will provide visitors with a relaxing afternoon of seasonal music.

On selected weekdays throughout December, the restaurant will host resident pianist, Catherine Overdyking. Catherine will play a range of well-loved tunes for visitors, as they enjoy the restaurant’s specialty coffee and home baking.

On Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December, at a special evening event, visitors will have a chance to tour the newly refurbished Burns Cottage with a specialist Trust guide, enjoy a performance by musical group Fiddler’s Bidding, and round off the evening with a seasonal meal in the Red Room at the newly-designed Education Pavilion. The candlelit, buffet-style dinner features Mar Lodge venison braised in red wine and chocolate with a wild mushroom ragout and pumpkin mash. Chestnut meringues follow to round off the evening.

December also sees the return of the Tam o’Shanter Experience Restaurant’s popular festive lunches. Available from Thursday 10 to Wednesday 23 December, dishes featuring the finest locally-sourced food will be served up.

The SRWI choir performs from 14:00 to 17:30 on Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 December.

The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra perform from 14:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 December.

Catherine Overdyking performs from 14:00 to 15:00 on Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December. Ticket price is included in admission cost for all musical events.

Cottage dinners by candlelight run on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December from 19:00 to 21:00 and cost £19. Advance booking and payment is essential.

Christmas lunches run from Thursday 10 to Wednesday 23 December from 12:00 to 14:00, costing £16.95 per person for two courses and £18.95 for three. Booking is advisable.

Lunches and dinners can each be booked on 01292 443 700.  

Staff and volunteers at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle in Maybole are preparing to transform the Robert Adams masterpiece into a fairytale wonderland for the festive season.

The castle and country park will play host to a series of festive events throughout December, including the jewel in Culzean’s Christmas crown – its ever-popular Enchanted Castle event, which sees fairytales brought to life, and totally sold out last year.

Property Manager Paul Pomfret said:

“Christmas is a special time at Culzean Castle and Country Park. The castle is transformed into an enchanted place thanks to our talented staff and volunteers.

“With wonderful Christmas music, Santa and fabulous fairytales, Culzean is the perfect place to spend Christmas with the family. We hope to welcome many families from across Ayrshire to our excellent events, or even just for a spot of, or to sample some of the fantastic festive food on offer in our lovely restaurant.”

Culzean’s full festive programme is as follows:

The festivities begin on 5 December with a concert of Christmas music by local choral ensemble, Ayres and Graces. The talented singers will perform in the stunning Oval Staircase from 15.00 until 17.00. £8 per person – tickets are limited.

To book, please send a cheque or postal order (payable to ‘the NTS’) and an SAE to Christmas at Culzean, Culzean Castle, Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8LE.

For those searching for the perfect Christmas gifts, Culzean’s Christmas Craft Fair is the place to find a beautiful and unusual gift. The fair runs on 5,6, 12 and 13 December from 11.00 until 17.00. Usual entry prices apply to the Country Park.

However, the jewel in Culzean’s Christmas crown is undoubtedly its wonderful Enchanted Castle event. This year, the fantastic spectacle takes place on Sunday 6 and 13 December from 10.45 until 16.00.

The castle will be transformed by music, song and light. In each room, a childhood tale will be brought to life through costumed characters. Visitors will have the chance to meet and dance with Cinderella and her Prince Charming, have tea with the Mad Hatter, see if Jack will be able to climb his beanstalk or even try to convince Scrooge to enjoy Christmas.

Admission is by pre-booked timed tickets only. Tickets are limited and can be bought online at www.nts.org.uk/christmas, or by calling 0844 493 2100. £11 adult, £8 child, £26.50 family. Booking fee applies.

And, as if that’s not enough, Santa will also be in his magical Culzean Grotto on Sunday 6 and Sunday 13 December from 11.00 until 16.00. All good girls and boys are welcome to visit, and will receive a special gift. Grotto entry costs £5 per visitor.

The castle will be filled with more festive music on Saturday 12 December, when the Choir of Paisley Abbey will perform a matinee and evening concert of Christmas carols, in the stunning surroundings of the Oval Staircase. Audience participation is strongly encouraged. Carols in the Castle, 
Sat 12 Dec, 15.00 – 19.00 and 18.30 –20.30. £12 per person – tickets are limited.

To book, please send a cheque or postal order (payable to ‘the NTS’) and an SAE to Christmas at Culzean, Culzean Castle, Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8LE.  

St. Andrew’s Day in the Year of the Homecoming will be marked at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden battlefield with a look at the lives of Scots who fought on both sides of the historic battle.

Throughout the weekend leading up to Scotland’s National Day, the Highland battlefield will run a programme of events designed to explore the stories of Scots in a battle that was far more complex and divisive than is often supposed.

At 11:00 on each day, the costumed presentation “A Highland Soldier” will show what life was like as a Jacobite soldier in the property’s battle exploration zone. Then, in the same venue at 12:00, “A Scots Redcoat” will explore life as a Scottish soldier for the Hanoverian Army, whose stories are often overlooked.

At 14:30, meanwhile, “Divided Scotland” will take visitors on an emotional tour of the battlefield told through the stories of those who experienced the battle itself.

The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 from Saturday 28 to Monday 30 November. Admission is free for members of the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland. For non-members, adults cost £10, concessions £7.50, families £24 and single adult families £20. Tours of the battlefield are weather dependent.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Pollok House in Glasgow is gearing up for the festive period with a variety of seasonal treats throughout December.

Families who come to the Glaswegian house throughout the Christmas season will be met with decorations galore, with each room decked out in a different theme. Children are in for an extra-special treat- the Pollok teddy bears will be celebrating themselves, enjoying their very own messy Christmas dinner.

The bears aren’t the only special guests in Pollok this Christmas, though. Mrs Claus will once more return to the house, eager to listen to the Christmas wishes of children and pass them on to her husband. She’ll bring along books as a special pre-Christmas treat to whoever comes to see her, so that children have something to tide them over ‘till her husband visits on Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile, the house’s award winning Edwardian kitchen restaurant has a special festive menu, while the food shop has further treats in store. Visitors can also go to the gift shop for Christmas treats, which are sure to go down a storm on the big day.

Pollok also has a treat in store for those who want to add a little romance to the festive season, as the property’s popular candlelit dinners return once more. After night has fallen over the house on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout December, visitors can sit down to a three course meal dappled in flickering light, with a 10% discount at Pollok’s shops thrown in.

The Christmas season at Pollok runs from 10:00 to 17:00 from Saturday 28 November to Sunday 3 January. Tickets cost £1 for Trust members and £4 for non-members. Children under 12 go free.

Mrs Claus is in residence from 11:00 to 16:00 from Saturday 28 November to Thursday 24 December and children’s tickets to visit her cost £4, with timed ticketing applying.

Candlelit dinners run on every Wednesday and Thursday between Wednesday 2 and Thursday 17 December, with the House opening at 19:00, last orders at 20:30 and lights out at 22: 30. Tickets cost £25 per person, and can be booked by contacting the property on 0844 493 2202. Given the popularity of the event, booking early is advised.

 

Families can experience Christmas the old-fashioned way with two Victorian themed days at the National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November.

The castle and its grounds will be full of activity throughout the weekend, with the local folk club playing festive music in the gallery and the racquets court packed with Christmas stalls. Young visitors are in for an extra special treat - Santa himself will be waiting in the billiard room, eager to receive any Christmas wish lists.

The event runs from 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November and costs £3 for adults and £1 for children.

 

People making their preparations for Christmas can shop in style at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November.

In addition to the artisans of Exclusively Highlands returning with their unusual handmade crafts, various activities will be available throughout the day.

The castle will enter into the festive spirit with carol singers performing in the main Drawing Room and decorations throughout its many rooms, while complementary mince pies, roasted chestnuts and other refreshments can be enjoyed at the stables.

The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 November and costs £3. Children under 10 go free, while refreshments are included in the admission cost.

For more information about Exclusively Highlands, visit their website at www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk/
 

Artwork inspired by the colours and textures of Northumberland’s landscape will go show in Edinburgh for the first time at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone Gallery, Edinburgh from Tuesday November 24.

From the Hills to the Coast collects paintings from artists Linda Scott-Robinson and Sarah Riseborough, who both draw inspiration from the glorious landscapes they live within. The exhibition consists mainly of smaller works, including limited edition prints and cards.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 29 November. The gallery is open from 10:00 to 19:00 and admission is free.

For more information about Linda Scott-Robinson, visit her website at www.mindrumart.co.uk/.

For more information about Sarah Riseborough, visit her website at www.sarahriseborough.com/.
 

Get into the Christmas spirit at the National Trust for Scotland’s Greenbank Garden, Clarkston on Sunday 22 November, as things turn festive.

Visitors to the East Renfrewshire Garden will be greeted with the sight of Greenbank House decorated as it would have been in Christmases past, awaiting the family for dinner. A bustling craft fair hosted by the Friends of Greenbank will provide the perfect shopping opportunity, and delicious seasonal refreshments will be available in the Coach House.

The event runs from 11:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 22 November 2009.  

People from all round Dumfries and Galloway can find their perfect festive gifts at the Christmas Craft Fayre at the National Trust for Scotland’s Broughton House, Kirkcudbright on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November.

Over 20 stalls will have their wares on display, with a huge range of unique handcrafted gifts available to suit all budgets. Hot roasted chestnuts will be available to round off a hard days shopping, while children can be entertained by the fayre’s very own puppeteer throughout the day.

The event runs from 11:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November.
 

The panto, written by playwright Charles Barron as per tradition, features some of Aberdeenshire’s most promising young performers. Written with primary school children in mind, the show features the hallmarks of a traditional pantomime with a male dame and buckets of audience participation. With Alice Dennis returning to HYMT as Musical Director and veterans Katie Henderson and Neil Young directing, the show is sure to go down a storm.

The Haddo Youth Music Theatre was set up in 2002 for young people between the ages of 14 and 25 who are interested in all aspects of musical theatre. Based at Haddo House itself, the group has helped produce many young performers who have gone on to study the performing arts throughout the country.

The performance on 27 November runs from 19:30 to 22:00, while those on 28 November run from 14:30 to 17:00 and 19:30 to 22:00. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £7 for children. Booking is essential, and can be done online at www.haddochoral.org.uk/hymt.  

The local talents of Symington Kirk Choir will fill the rafters at the National Trust for Scotland’s David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre on Friday 20 November.

The choir will perform a varied programme, offering a relaxed evening of refreshments and music.

It is a rare opportunity to see the centre transformed into a musical venue.

The event runs from 19:30 to 22:00 on Friday 20 November and costs £5.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Kellie Castle in Pittenweem will be transported back in time on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November as the staff prepare for a special Victorian Christmas.

Visitors to the Fife castle can watch the servants preparing the property for the big day before visiting the tearoom or the shop with its wide selection of gifts.

Children are advised to be on their best behaviour, as the castle will be home to a very special guest - jolly old Father Christmas himself.

The event runs from 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November and costs £3 for both adults and children. Tickets to see Santa and receive a gift cost £3.  

Scottish actor Alex Norton, famed for his roles in Gregory’s Girl, Little Voice and most recently Taggart, visited the Burns Heritage Park in Alloway recently to film a segment on Robert Burns for a new STV series which will look at some of the most significant Scots in history. The series will culminate in a vote to decide who is ‘The Greatest Scot’.

The series will be aired each night on STV at 9pm from Monday 9 to Friday 13 November 2009 with the five episodes split into Artists and Entertainers, Scientist and Engineers, Sports Personalities, Inventors and Entrepreneurs and Leaders and Thinkers.

Burns will be featured alongside Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Lord John Reith, Billy Connelly and JK Rowling in the Artists and Entertainers episode which is due to air on Monday 9 November 2009.

Speaking on why he feels Burns should be named ‘The Greatest Scot’, worldwide renowned Burns expert David Hopes and curator of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which is due to open in Alloway next year said: “Robert Burns’ life and work is central to the life and culture of the nation; his wise and witty words continue to touch the lives of Scots regardless of their circumstances and the philosophy expressed in his life and work is commonly regarded as the national voice. We should join with one voice in voting him our greatest Scot”

The shortlist of personalities was compiled by an esteemed panel chaired by Sir Menzies Campbell with an additional five Scots nominated by the public as their ‘People’s Choice’ nominees. There will be 35 nominees in total, with one being named ‘The Greatest Scot’ as part of a ‘Top 5’ programme airing on STV on St Andrew’s Day.
 

Aberdeenshire’s families can get into the Christmas spirit and pick up something special for their loved ones at the annual Christmas Craft Fair of the National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November.

An enormous variety of handmade gifts from local crafters will be on sale at the House, spread across several stalls. Jewellery, glassware, toys, stained glass, decorations, toiletries and homemade sweets are just a few of the things visitors can expect to find while they browse among the many items on sale.

This year the event promises to be more festive than ever - a special stall will sell mulled wine and mince pies, which are guaranteed to get visitors into the Christmas spirit.

The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. Admission for adults is £2, while children go free.  

The ideas emanating from Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway across the world will come under the spotlight in a special event in the town on Wednesday 4 November.

Acclaimed Glasgow University academic, Dr Ralph Jessop will explain just how important the writings of Thomas Carlyle have been to the world. Dr Jessop’s lecture Ecclefechan and the Global Importance of Thomas Carlyle will give people the chance to get to know more about this fascinating man, his writings and his impact upon the world.

Thomas Carlyle was born in Ecclefechan in 1795 in the Arched House, which is now in the care of conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland. He was known as an essayist, writer and historian and wrote on a wide range of subjects – especially society and politics.

The Trust’s Thomas Carlyle Birthplace Property Manager Dan Watson said:

“Millions of people see the sign on the M74 to Carlyle’s birthplace at Ecclefechan, and many must wonder who is Carlyle? Although not now as famous as some writers who have lived in Dumfries and Galloway, Carlyle is one of the most internationally influential writers to have emerged from Scotland. The Trust is proud to care for the birthplace of such an influential man and to help spread the word about his life, works and Ecclefechan.”

The lecture takes place at Ecclefechan Town Hall on 4 November at 19.00 and is free.

Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace was given to the national Trust for Scotland in 1936. It houses a wonderful collection of portraits and personal belongings which provide a fascinating insight into the early life of this influential social historian.

The cottage re-opens for visitors on 1 June 2010.  

The devils, demons and witches of Robert Burns’ epic Tam o’ Shanter will be bought to life in an acclaimed production at the National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.

The performances, produced for the Year of Homecoming and previously shown in Stirling and Inverness, comes to Aberdeenshire on the cusp of Halloween.

A collaboration between Scottish Youth Theatre, YDance and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, the work updates to the world of modern Scots youth.

Tam o’ Shanter is one of Robert Burns’ most famous poems, describing one man’s encounter with witches, warlocks and the devil himself after a long night drinking with friends.

The production has attracted reviews, with the Herald giving it four stars and the Scotsman calling it “loud, positive and vibrant”. It has also been endorsed by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Pre-theatre suppers start at 18.30 and the production at 20.00 on both Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October. The performance costs £10 for adults and £6 for concessions, while supper costs £12.50 per person. Booking is essential, and can be done by telephoning Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641122 or visiting their website at www.boxofficeaberdeen.com.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House is a fitting location for this Burns’ inspired performance, as the charity is also responsible for the care and conservation of the Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway.

The park includes such iconic sites as the cottage where Burns was born 250 years ago.

A project to create a new museum in tribute to Robert Burns is underway in Alloway.

For more information, or to make a donation in support of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, visit www.nts.org.uk/Burns/#.  

Acclaimed battlefield archaeologist Tony Pollard will be signing copies of his new book at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre near Inverness this weekend.

On Sunday 25 October from 13.00 until 14.00, Dr Tony Pollard will be on hand to discuss his latest publication ‘Culloden: The History and Archaeology of the Last Clan Battle’.

In this fascinating and original book, a team of leading historians and archaeologists reconsiders every aspect of the battle. They examine the latest historical and archaeological evidence, question every assumption, and rewrite the story of the campaign in vivid detail. This is the first time that such a distinguished team of experts has focused on a single British battle. The result is a seminal study of the subject, and it is a landmark publication of battlefield archaeology.

Archaeology was central to the conservation charity’s approach to the £9.5 million project to revamp the Culloden battlefield and build a new visitor centre, which officially opened in April 2008.

Excavations showed the old visitor centre stood on an important strategic location on the battlefield and influenced the location of the new centre.

One of the innovative approaches to archaeology taken by the Trust during the project was to involve local metal detectorists in a systematic survey of the battlefield. Analysis of the finds helped provide a better understanding of exactly where the battle took place. These discoveries influenced the design of the inspiring exhibition at the new visitor centre which aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding the battle.  

Two high-ranking Japanese representatives are visiting the National Trust for Scotland’s The Hill House in Helensburgh on Tuesday 20 October.

Japanese Consul General Mr Masataka Tarahara and Mr Atsushi Inoue, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs are travelling to the iconic Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed building to see exhibition which is currently underway at the historic house.

Lyrical Abstraction 2 is an exhibition of contemporary stone sculptures by Japanese sculptor Hironori Katagiri and Scottish sculptor Kate Thomson. The pieces on display were created especially for this exhibition and were inspired by Mackintosh, who has a huge following in Japan, and around the world, as part of a programme of events for Japan UK 150 which celebrates 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UK.

Property Manager Lorna Hepburn said:

“We are greatly honoured to welcome such esteemed guests to The Hill House. We know that Japan was a key influence on Mackintosh and his work, and here we are lucky to care for some fine examples of that, such as the stunning ‘kimono’ cabinet.”

Artists Hironori Katagiri and Kate Thomson will give the Japanese VIPs a personal tour of the house and the exhibition which opened in August this year.

Katagiri’s work is pure abstract form, finding the essence of philosophical concepts that concern us all and creating space to contemplate the world and our place in it. Inspired by Hill House, Katagiri has made a new series of highly polished “Streamline” Diabase and black granite sculptures which echo the maritime context of the site, referencing both art deco and futurist styles to extend the range of his work in an exciting new direction. Even his small sculptures seem to provide space, creating the same apparent contradiction of inspired tranquillity one experiences in a Japanese Zen garden.

Thomson’s work is abstracted from the human form and landscape, exploring relationships in physical, cultural and social space.

Inspired by Mackintosh’s genius for bringing light into his interiors Thomson has made a new series of onyx sculptures designed to act as ‘houses for light’; exploring the concepts behind Celtic key patterns, which were one of the sources for the art deco style, and their similarity with key patterns in ancient Greek, Aztec & Ainu art, then translating them into three-dimensional space, to find out if our ancestors had the keys for comprehending the delicate balance between order and chaos in nature and society.

On 28 and 29 October, Thomson and Katagiri will hold workshops for local school children at Hill House. Sculptors and architects both work with space and light, although they may use very different materials, the essential difference in what they create is one of scale. The children will tour the house and the sculpture exhibition, and then work with folding, cutting, and constructing card to explore forms that catch the ambient light and reflect it inside the small scale “architecture” or “sculpture” models they create.


 

Brides and grooms to be can find inspiration for their big day in the glorious surroundings at the National Trust for Scotland’s Pollok House on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, as the historic house hosts a wedding fair.

Wedding experts of all kinds will be on hand to help couples decide on the perfect plan for that all important date. A selection of cars will be parked outside, there will be a band in the Servants' Hall and the Dining Room will be set up with differently themed table settings. The Library will be set up for a ceremony and there will be lots of inspirational ideas to help couples plan their nuptials.

Pollok House is a popular wedding venue, boasting beautiful views and gorgeous gardens.

The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. Entry to the fair is free.

For more information on Trust wedding venues, call 0844 493 2599.  

Savour the tasty fare on offer at the National Trust for Scotland's popular Charlotte Square restaurant.

Highlights from the new menu include traditional favourites like haggis, neeps and tatties laced with a whisky cream and Scottish oak smoked salmon served with capers, rocket and lemon dressing. The wonderful home baking is not to be missed.

The restaurant is open Monday until Saturday from 09.30 until 17.00.

Related Files

• No. 28 Charlotte Square Menu (DOC - 41.5 KB)

 

Ayrshire will celebrate National Apple Day on Sunday 25 October with a variety of fruit-filled fun at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park, Maybole.

At the property’s Stone Barn Visitor Centre, Ayrshire Apple Network will show off over 100 apple varieties both traditional and modern and attempt to identify a few. A pressing and juicing demonstration will be available for visitors and a selection of apples from Culzean’s famous orchard will be on sale.

The event runs from 14:00 to 16:00 on 25 October 2009.  

Venn - an exhibition of similar works from two seemingly dissimilar artists - goes on show in the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone Gallery in Edinburgh from 20 October.

Allan Robertson, a former structural engineer, is inspired by our industrial heritage. His work brings together industrial processes and forms to create contemporary landscapes. Artist and biochemist Hamer Dodds, meanwhile, uses his scientific background to examine the relationships between form, function and the scientific process.

As the title of the exhibition suggests, the two artists concern themselves with the common ground in their work. The differing landscapes provided by the industrial and scientific worlds are represented through a variety of media.

The exhibition runs at the Trust’s Gladstone’s Land gallery on the Royal Mile between Tuesday 20 and Saturday 25 October 2009. Entry is free.

For more information about Allan Robertson visit his website at www.allanjrobertson.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

For more information about Hamer Dodds visit his website at www.hamerdodds.com/.  

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun in Montrose are ending their 20th season as a top level visitor attraction with a glowing report from VisitScotland.

The wonderful Georgian House has just been confirmed again as a four star visitor attraction. The property already held the rating and was evaluated again in September 2009.

VisitScotland inspectors were impressed with the consistently high standards on show at the property which boasts beautiful interiors, complete with ornate Joseph Eznor plasterwork. The excellent service offered by the dedicated team of staff and volunteers was also praised.

Property manager John McKenna said:

“This is a fantastic way to round off an important season for everyone at House of Dun – our 20th anniversary as a top Angus visitor attraction. The team here has worked extremely hard to make this season a success and I’m pleased to say we have achieved that. Our visitor numbers have increased compared to the same period last year, by around 1500. Now, with VisitScotland’s excellent endorsement, we can start planning ahead to make our 21st season even better.”

Richard Pinn, Regional Director for VisitScotland, said:

“I’m delighted the hard work, dedication and care shown by all those behind the scenes at House of Dun has been recognised and rewarded in this way. Visitor Attractions are a crucial part of our tourism industry, attracting visitors from Scotland, the rest of the UK and around the world. Our research shows it has been a strong summer season for Historic Houses in particular, with visitor numbers this year up 14% on last summer. I hope this 4 star recognition will encourage even more visitors to step inside and discover this delightful house for themselves.”  

Moves to improve signage at the National Trust for Scotland’s Angus Folk Museum in Glamis, Angus have resulted in an unusual homecoming this year.

Property Manager John McKenna was keen to find a quirky sign that summed up what the museum was about – the rural history of the Angus area and its people, and a dilapidated mangle at the House of Dun in Montrose seemed to fit the bill.

The mangle was taken to Glamis and painstakingly restored to its former glory. During this process, it was discovered that the mangle was in fact made by a local Glamis blacksmith more than a century ago.

Mr McKenna said:

“We were looking for a characterful sign which would give visitors a hint of the fascinating exhibition on display at the Angus Folk Museum, and the mangle seemed just perfect for that. I think that the signage now properly reflects the theme of the museum which is set around the lives of the rural community of Angus. It was a real surprise when we discovered that the mangle originated in Glamis – it is a great homecoming story as the year of Homecoming comes to a close.”

The Angus Folk Museum gives visitors an insight into the realities of rural life over the past 200 years. It is open on Saturday and Sunday from noon until 17.00 until 1 November.  

The range includes a tartan lambswool scarf, £15.99; travel rug, £48 and cashmere scarf with presentation box at £59 and for every piece of the Anniversary Check sold, a £1 donation will be made to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

The cashmere scarf from the collection brings together two key trends for Autumn/Winter 2009 – tartan and cashmere. The luxe fabric mixed with the cutting-edge plaid definitely makes this scarf the ultimate must have accessory to keep every wardrobe up-to-date this winter.

Each item will be available to purchase for a limited time only from the National Trust for Scotland direct via the website, www.nts.org.uk/Burns/Merchandise, or from a number of outlets including the Johnstons Mill Shop and Visitor Centre, Visit Scotland Tourist Information Centres and selected National Trust for Scotland properties.

While colour is often missing from the palette of fashion trends in the colder months, the same cannot be said for these colorful bespoke designs of quality cashmere and lambswool which have been created using a vibrant new tartan incorporating carefully hand-picked colours, patterns and yarns to reflect the poetry of Robert Burns.

Each garment truly represents a little piece of Scottish history whilst keeping a fashion-forward focus on this season’s trends, keeping you warm and fabulous this Christmas and many more to come.

Purchasing an item from the limited edition collection means you would also be contributing to the National Trust for Scotland’s ambitious £21m project to raise funds to build the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayrshire; preserving his legacy.

Johnstons of Elgin also stocks a vast range of luxury knitwear, accessories right through to woven tweed jackets, ensuring there is something for everyone this Christmas.
 

Pupils from Bothwell Primary School raised the money by putting on an exhibition of their works of Burns.

The primary four pupils, along with teacher Mrs Halliday recently visited the Burns Heritage Park, where work is underway on the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, to meet museum director, Nat Edwards and learning manager Alison Burke for a tour of Burns Heritage Park. Nat and Alison took the children around Burns National Heritage Park including stops at Burns Cottage, the Auld Kirk and Brig o’Doon.

Bothwell Primary’s contribution will be officially recognised when the new museum opens next summer with a plaque on the wall.

Nat hopes that other schools will take inspiration from Bothwell Primary in showing their support for the new £21m museum: “We’re very grateful to the teachers and pupils of Bothwell Primary School for their support with the Burns 250 campaign. The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will be completely state-of-the-art with fantastic learning facilities that will bring Burns’ work to life for young minds.”

Teacher Mrs Halliday said: “I feel Burns is as relevant as ever because he is an intergral part of our Scottish history. The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is an important project that Bothwell Primary School is proud to support – we need to keep Burns alive so generations to come can understand and enjoy his words.

“Our pupils were amazed to learn that Bothwell Primary was the first school to donate to this project and were very excited to receive an invitation to visit the Burns Heritage Park – Nat and Alison were brilliant guides and the children are looking forward to visiting again when the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum opens next year.”

The ‘Burns 250 Collection’ is a fundraising initiative launched by the National Trust for Scotland for the conservation, care and exhibition of some 5,000 items including priceless manuscripts, exquisite artifacts and rare memorabilia belonging and relating to Scotland’s Robert Burns, including Jean Armour’s wedding ring, a manuscript of Tam o’Shanter and the Burns’ family bible.

David Hopes, curator of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, has identified some of the most prized and valuable collection items for those who donate between £5,000 and over £50,000. There are varying levels of sponsorship for the conservation of each item, ranging from £250 to over £50,000, for the most precious items in the collection.

Every Burns 250 donor, who sponsors an item, will receive a certificate with the exclusive Robert Burns seal and named recognition in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and contribute to the lasting legacy being created at the new museum, which is due to open in 2010.

To make a donation for the conservation of a particular item in the collection please contact the Burns 250 team: Burns250@nts.org.uk or tel: UK 0844 493 2113, US: 617 227 7500, Other International: +44 (0)131 278 0424.

For more information on the Burns 250 collection visit: www.nts.org.uk/Burns/Burns250/
 

Read the update issued to all Trust members, following the recent AGM.

Download the full document at www.nts.org.uk/about/downloads/agm_2009_response.pdf  

The Trust’s Culloden Battlefield features in the programme for the Highland Homecoming – ur beatha dhan dùthaich! taking place in the Highlands later this month.

From 19 October to 31 October, a fantastic programme of more than 100 events over two weeks will give a flavour of the remarkable people, places and events of the Highlands, providing a unique contribution to the national Homecoming Scotland celebrations. Visit www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com to see full details of the music, theatre, song, dance, storytelling, exhibitions, street theatre, talks and ceilidhs featuring in the programme.

Field trips to Culloden Battlefield and nearby Historic Scotland property, Fort George, will be open to people attending the three-day history event, Scotland’s Global Impact. Expert guides including Dr Tony Pollard, Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at the University of Glasgow and member of Channel 4’s “Time Team”, will shed new light on the story of the battlefield.

Scotland’s Global Impact, taking place from 22 to 24 October in Eden Court, Inverness, is an exceptional, once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us interested in history and heritage to hear at first hand from world experts in the field. Broadcaster Lesley Riddoch will host lively debates and discussions throughout the three day event, making sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute and have their say.
• On day one find out about the people who made Scotland and early emigration from our country.
• Day two has a focus on why emigrants left Scotland and the impact of individuals and communities of emigrants and sojourners on their chosen destinations (mainly in North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa), and the effects of such migration on Scotland itself.
• The final day is about the Scottish solider at home and abroad during the 17th to 19th centuries.

Choose your day according to your interest – or come along for all three! If you have friends who might be interested in coming along too, why not book as a group – special discounts are available for group bookings of five or more (to take advantage of this offer, call the Eden Court Box Office on 01463 234234 and ask for the corporate group rate). For full details of all speakers and topics on each day, visit www.scotlandsglobalimpact.com .

If you decide to book for Scotland’s Global Impact, all tickets for events in the Highland Homecoming programme are available on a 2 for 1 basis – for full details of this offer and all other Highland Homecoming events, visit www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com.
 

As the conservation charity responsible for some of Scotland’s oldest historic buildings, the National Trust for Scotland cares for its fair share of things that go bump in the night.

So it won’t come as a surprise to find that our properties are the perfect place to spend a spooky Halloween 2010. And with properties all over Scotland, there’s bound to be something spine-tingling on offer near you.

Some of this year’s highlights include:
AYRSHIRE & ARRAN

Children’s Hallowe’en Party
Thu 29 October: 18.30 – 20.00
Burns National Heritage Park, Alloway
Join Magic Malky for an evening of spooky fun & ghoulish games at our Hallowe'en party with games and prizes.

Price:
· Adult : £ 6.00
· Child : £ 6.00
Contact: 0844 493 2601

Light into dark
Sat 31 October and Sun 1 November, 17.00 – 18.30
Culzean Castle & Country Park, Maybole
A spooky Halloween walk in the dark followed by light refreshments.
Places limited - bookings accepted from Friday 30 October after 9:00 (tel. 01655 884400).
Price:
· Adult : £ 8.00
· Child : £ 4.00
Contact: 0844 493 2149

Halloween Horror walk
Sat 31 October, 19.00 – 21.00
Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park
A evening out in the grounds of Brodick Castle, but beware there may be all sorts of spooks about!
Price:
Adult : £ 5.00
Child : £ 2.50
50% discount if you come in fancy dress!
Contact: 0844 493 2154

ABERDEENSHIRE
Potions, Spells, Stories and Tea party – Halloween for Children at Haddo
Fri 30 October and Sat 31 October, 16.30 – 17.30 and 18.00 – 19.00.
Haddo House, Ellon
Join Griselda – the resident Haddo Witch, and her friends for some Halloween fun in Haddo House. Suitable for children age 6yrs plus.
Griselda the Witch is hosting a Halloween tea party, but be warned, to get your food you will need to help Griselda mix some potions and cast some spells. One of Griselda’s friends will tell some spooky stories by the fire. Children should come in costume and bring their lantern - competition for the best lantern.
Price:
· Child: £ 8.00
Contact and booking: 01651 851440

Witches & Wizards
Sat 31 October - Sun 1 November, 10.30 – 16.30
Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory
Witching time is here again! Dress as a witch or a wizard and come along to Crathes to join in the annual Witch Hunt in the grounds. Join Winnie the Witch for Halloween fun and maybe learn how to weave some spells.
Don’t miss the Witch & Wizard Parade with prizes for all children but a special prize for the best dressed Witch/Wizard.
Visit the spooky castle and see if you can find all the ghosts hiding in the rooms.
Price:
· Child : £ 2.00
Contact: 0844 493 2166

Halloween in the Tower
Sat 31 October
9 years and under – 18.00 – 19.30
9 years and over – 19.30 – 21.00
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory
Join our storytellers, Jackie Ross and Margaret Currie, in the spooky, dark high hall. Bring a lantern and we will provide the hot drinks.
Price:
· Adult : £ 8.00
· Child : £ 5.00
Contact and booking: 0844 493 2161

FIFE
A Haunting Halloween
Fri 30 October and Sat 31 October, 18.30 – 20.30
Kellie Castle & Garden, Pittenweem
A spooky evening for children, with haunted tales and tours of the castle. A prize for the best children’s consumed. Children should be accompanied by an adult – not recommended for very young children
Price(s)
· Adult : £ 10.00
· Child : £ 6.00
Contact: 0844 4932184

GLASGOW
Holmwood - The Home of Halloween
Sat 24 and Sun 25 October, 12.00 – 18.00
Holmwood House, Glasgow
It'll be all fright on the night! Join us at the home of Halloween. There will be ghosts, ghouls and games; magic, mischief and mayhem! Witches welcome! Parking for brooms available. Transfussions in the tearoom and tales to terrify!
Price:
Adult: £ 4.00
Child: £ 2.00
Contact: 0844 4932204

LOTHIAN
Spooky Fun
Sat 31 October, 14.30 – 16.00
Newhailes, Musselburgh
Play some gruesome games and make some witchy crafts.
We can even explore the woods as they grow darker…Perfect fun for Halloween without too many scares. Suitable for Primary 2 – 4 age group.
Price:
· Child: £ 3.00
Contact: 0844 493 2124

Storytelling at Gladstone’s Land
Sat 31 October, 11.00 – 12.00
Gladstone's Land, Edinburgh
Join storyteller Fiona Herbert for a rare glimpse of 17th century Edinburgh, with stories of homecoming from the tenements, closes and wynds of the Old Town.
This is a free but ticketed event, with a maximum capacity 20 people. Advance booking is essential.
Contact: 0844 4932120
Booking: 0131 556 9579 (Scottish Storytelling Centre) or 0131 473 2000 (Hub Tickets)



PERTHSHIRE

Wild Hallowe'en

Sat 31 October, 14.00 – 15.30

Killiecrankie, Perthshire

What happens in the woods at Hallowe'en? Discover what the woodland animals associated with Hallowe'en are doing at this time of year. Includes games and activities about bats, spiders and owls. Children's activity walk - Suitable for families with 5-12 year olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet outside Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.

Price:

Adult: £ 1.00

Child: £ 2.00

Contact: 0844 493 2192

 

Want to make sure that your wedding truly is a day to remember? Then pick a date you will never forget – 10/10/10. And the good news is that there’s still time to find the perfect venue with the National Trust for Scotland.

Couples planning their nuptials for this unforgettable date with the conservation charity have something to suit every taste and budget, all over Scotland.

From the Georgian grandeur of the House of Dun near Montrose, to the beautiful battlements at Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire, the charity can offer couples stunning settings for their big day. Combined with the warmest of welcomes, wonderful service and an unrivalled attention to detail, weddings with the Trust truly are special occasions.

National Hospitality Coordinator, Rebecca Wakeford said:

“We go out of our way to make weddings really special at the National Trust for Scotland and that includes helping to make sure that couples remember their anniversary! With a date like 10/10/10, how could it be easier?”

Wedding packages are currently available for 10/10/10 at Mar Lodge, Haddo House, Castle Fraser and Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire, House of Dun in Angus, Pollok House in Glasgow and Culzean Castle, Ayrshire.

For more information and bookings, please contact Rebecca Wakeford on 0844 493 2599.  

Families can don devilish disguises on Wednesday 14 October at the National Trust for Scotland’s Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshire, as they make all sorts of mysterious masks.

With Halloween fast approaching, children aged five and above can make masquerade-style masks to bewitch their friends on the night. With the grounds said to be haunted by mysterious apparitions, visitors may unleash more than just their creative spirits!

The event runs from 13:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Ticket price is included in admission cost.  

Families up for a spot of battle-ready fun can drop into the National Trust for Scotland’s Bannockburn in Stirlingshire throughout October.

Children of all ages can take part in several activities at the historic site, from making crafty things to competing in curious quizzes. There will also be costumes and armour to try on, so visitors can get a sense of what it was like to stand and fight on the battlefield 695 years ago.

The event runs from 10.00 to 17.30 from Saturday 10 to Sunday 25 October. Ticket price is included in admission cost.

On Sunday 11 and Wednesday 21 October the weapons and armour that medieval warriors used to ward off their foes will be the subject of a living history event at the centre.

Visitors to the historic battlefield will be treated to talks about the battle gear of the past from fighters and soldiers experienced in their use. With brave tales of battles being told, the event should prove enthralling for adults and children alike.

The event runs from 11.00 to 16.30 on Sunday 11 October and Wednesday 21 October. Ticket price is included in admission cost.

Meanwhile, on Monday 12 and Thursday 22 October, young empire-builders can build and destroy a castle of their very own, as they captain the property’s very own siege engine.

Children aged 5 and above can drop in to the event to construct little versions of the medieval castles that existed throughout Scotland at the time of Bannockburn’s historic battle. They can then batter and break down the walls, in an attempt to conquer the land!

The event runs from 11.00 to 16.30 on Monday 12 October and Thursday 22 October. Ticket price is included in admission cost.

Budding Indiana Joneses can uncover treasures of their very own at Bannockburn’s “Archaeology for All” event, where they can experience the excitement of excavation first hand at a site where new discoveries are still being made. The event runs on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.

Visitors to the Bannockburn Heritage Centre can also enjoy the stunning new HD movie which is designed to tell the story of the fateful battle which saw Robert the Bruce’s army victorious. Told from the perspective on an eight year old boy, the movie uses state of the art computer generated images to bring the sights and sounds of the battle to life for visitors.

For entry prices, opening hours and more information about any of these events, please call 0844 493 2139.  

A rare butterfly has been spotted outside the National Trust for Scotland’s visitor centre at Killiecrankie near Pitlochry in Perthshire.

The unusual specimen – a female Purple Hairstreak butterfly – was found last month (15 September 2009) on the ground at the front of the centre by one of the Trust’s property managers, Ben Notley.

“It is the first time a Purple Hairstreak has been recorded at Killiecrankie,” said Ben, “and it was the first time personally that I’ve been lucky enough to see one.

“The butterfly, which has beautiful reflective purple markings on its wings, usually lives high up in the branches of oak trees in England and Wales, so Perthshire would very much be the limit of its Northern range.

“It just goes to show how rich in wildlife National Trust for Scotland woodlands like Killiecrankie are and how much we have yet to discover.”

Purple Hairstreaks are found from July to September, so the butterfly at the centre would have been at the end of its two-month lifespan.

Unlike most butterflies, the Purple Hairstreak does not feed on flowers but gets its nourishment from honeydew, the sticky substance left behind by aphids feeding on oak leaves.

More information on the species can be found at the Butterfly Conservation website: www.butterfly-conservation.org  

Children can discover history creatively at the National Trust for Scotland’s Tenement House in Glasgow from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 October, as they draw their ideas of what ordinary life was like for the weans of the past.

For this special autumn event, visitors can create pictures of what they think school, shopping and summer holidays were like for the children of a hundred years ago. Did they take calculators to class, go shopping for fish fingers or bring sunglasses along for their holiday in Scotland? Life at the start of the last century was surprisingly different!

When completed, the drawings will form part of a special ‘Then and Now’ exhibition, that will show just how much things have changed.

The event runs from 10 to 18 October from 13:00 to 17:00. Ticket price is included in admission cost.  

Budding Indiana Joneses can uncover more about the battle of Culloden with the National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Inverness on Saturday 10 October.

Organised by the conservation charity as part of Highland Archaeology Fortnight, the event gives young visitors the chance to become a Culloden archaeologist for the day, uncovering important finds that tell us more about the fateful events of 16 April 1746.

Using battlefield maps and period costume, young historians will find out more about the fate of the Jacobites and Hanoverians who fought on Culloden Moor, all those centuries ago.

Archaeology was central to the conservation charity’s approach to the £9.5 million project to revamp the Culloden battlefield and build a new visitor centre, which officially opened in April 2008.

Excavations showed the old visitor centre stood on an important strategic location on the battlefield and influenced the location of the new centre.

One of the innovative approaches to archaeology taken by the Trust during the project was to involve local metal detectorists in a systematic survey of the battlefield. Analysis of the finds helped provide a better understanding of exactly where the battle took place. These discoveries influenced the design of the inspiring exhibition at the new visitor centre which aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding the battle.

The event runs from 14.00 until 16.00 on Saturday 10 October and costs £3.  

One of Perthshire’s hidden horticultural gems is exploding with autumn colour this October.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Branklyn Garden in Perth boasts a fine display as its exotic plant collection takes on gold and red at the onset of autumn.

On Sunday 11 October, visitors can join Head Gardener Steve McNamara on an autumn colour walk, finding out more about the stunning plant collection at this very special garden.

Check out the Chinese gentians, acer palmatum and the unusual ceridiphyllum japonicum which takes on pink tones at this time of year.

The walk takes place at 14.00. For more information and bookings, contact 0844 493 2193.  

Intrepid young detectives are needed to pick up the chase at the National Trust for Scotland’s Pollok House from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 October to help furry detective Dudley Bear with the mystery of the Great Dudley Haggis Hunt.

Children will have to search high and low through the historic house to help Dudley, as a hundred escaped haggis are hiding in all sorts of nooks and crannies. Whoever spots the most haggis will win a special thank-you prize from Dudley himself- a haggis of their very own, complete with adoption certificate.

Property Manager, Joe Bowden said:

“Since our murder mystery events are always so popular, we wanted to develop an event which was aimed at our younger visitors. Now they can help Dudley Bear solve the mystery by tracking down the wild haggis, taking part in some crazy capers as they go.”

The event runs from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 October from 10:00 to 17:00.  

Families can witness the autumnal beauty of the National Trust for Scotland’s Killiecrankie first hand at a woodland activity walk on Tuesday 13 October.

On the walk, which is suitable for 5 to 12 year olds, children can collect the various nuts and seeds that fall in the wood at this time of year. They can also investigate the fallen leaves and find out fascinating facts about the fungi that cover the ground during autumn.

The walk runs from 10.30 to 12.00 on Tuesday 13 October and meets outside the visitor centre. Costs are £1 for adults and £2 for children, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.  

Children will be able to have fun with history at the National Trust for Scotland’s Georgian House in Edinburgh this October, trying out with a variety of activities themed around the past.

In a special activity room, children can get dressed up in period costumes and try their hand at writing with a quill pen. They will also have the chance to handle Georgian-themed objects and colour in scenes from Scotland’s fascinating past.

Children can also tour the property with a special activity guide, full of information and quizzes to keep younger visitors busy.

The event runs from 10.00 to 17.00 on 9 October to 31 October, and from 11.00 to 15.00 on 1 November. Ticket price is included in admission cost.  

Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen will be producing a different kind of printed leaf on Tuesday 13 October as visitors have the opportunity to press pictures onto materials from trees and plants.

The National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with the Scottish Borders Rangers Service to offer the workshop at the historic printworks, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity. Visitors will be able to print images onto leaves of all shapes and sizes, making novel and beautiful pictures and greetings cards.

Sessions run from 10.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 16.00 on Tuesday 13 October. The event costs £6 for adults and £5 for concessions and children, who must be at least eight years old to participate. Booking is essential. To book, contact the property on 0844 493 2259.  

Visitors can discover the sights and sounds of the seashore at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodick Country Park on Wednesday 14 October.

Children of all ages can explore the beach’s rockpools, which team with all kinds of curious creatures of the sea. Whether tickling sea anemones, catching prawns or avoiding the powerful pincers of a crab, attendees will be sure to have a whale of a time.

While the event is suitable for all ages, parents are advised that there will be some walking over slippery rocks.

The event runs from 14:00 to 15:30 on Wednesday 14 October.  

Information about the latest Council appointments is now online.

For full details, visit www.nts.org.uk/About/council.php  

One of Edinburgh’s historic gems is available for art exhibitions in 2010 and bookings are already being taken.

The Gladstone Gallery is ideally located in the heart of Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile, in the National Trust for Scotland’s property Gladstone’s Land.

The gallery space is 20 x 24 feet with original 17th century features, making it a unique exhibition space in a thriving city centre. The gallery uses a simple rod and clip hanging system. Artists are responsible for hanging, dismantling and selling their work – we take no commission.

It is an ideal opportunity for upcoming artists looking for more exposure, but also for established artists with a client base.

The Gladstone Gallery has availability in April, July and October 2010. Please contact Fiona Murray at 08444 932 120 for further details and to view the space.  

A collectable shop has opened up the stable block. Privately run by Brian Cheyne the shop sells a tasteful and good quality range of collectable items such as pictures, gardening memorabilia postcards and jewellery.

Many items are Scottish sourced. Open weekends 12noon-5pm. When visiting the Trust shop and tearoom, also in the courtyard, why not visit the collectables shop and pick up a bargain.  

The National Trust for Scotland has been celebrating the beauty of some of its most popular, unusual and remote gardens in a series of Garden Days starting in May and continuing into the autumn.

The days are organised as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which supports gardens across the country.

Across Scotland, more than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens have been involved, putting on special events such as ‘ask the gardener’, hosting music ensembles, and taking visitors on a tour of the unusual or interesting features at their gardens.

The garden at Hill of Tarvit, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity, is taking part in the scheme on Sunday 4 October. The annual Scotland’s Gardens Scheme plant sale will be in full swing in the gardens, with plants available to take home from numerous surrounding gardens and estates. It marks the charity’s final Gardens Day for 2009.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Robert Grant said:

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. Hill of Tarvit is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

The event runs between 10:00 and 16:00 on Sunday 4 October and is free. Proceeds from the sale will be split between various charities involved in Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, of which the National Trust for Scotland is one.

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/Events/Theme/128/
 

Members of the Trust particularly those intending to be present at the Annual General Meeting will have been aware of two Motions properly proposed for debate at the AGM. I have received intimation that the proposer of the second of these, which proposed votes of no confidence in the Chairman, the Board and the Council, wishes to withdraw it and I will put that to the meeting. The first Motion by Miss Mary Mackenzie stands. Its primary purpose is to create opportunity for questions and debate and I intend to allocate to it the bulk of the time allocated to Mr Barrington’s motion so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to take part.

We are on the brink of the most important strategic review of the Trust for many decades. The AGM debate will embrace many different strands of opinion and it should be rigorous and challenging – but I hope that it will be characterised by willingness from all sides to listen to and respect other people’s perspectives in an open minded and constructive fashion.

Richard Buccleuch  

The fascinating world of mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi will be explored at the National Trust for Scotland’s Hermitage on Sunday 4 October.

On a guided walk around the area, visitors will learn about many aspects of fungal fact and fiction, from species identification to folklore. The event is aimed as an introduction to the topic and all are welcome to come along. The walk meets in the lower car park.

The walk runs from 10:30 to 12:30 on Sunday 4 October and costs £3 for adults and £2 for children.  

Visitors may find Dead Man’s Fingers, Witch’s Butter and Fairy Clubs hidden in Culzean Country Park on Sunday 4 October, on a walk dedicated to the fascinating world of fungi.

Culzean’s forests, which are owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, contain mushrooms that display a wide range of smell, shape and colour.

Rangers will point out curious mushrooms like the bright yellow Jelly Babies and the furry-stemmed Wood Wooly Foot, before collecting specimens and showing visitors how they can identify fungi themselves.

Visitors are advised that this event is not a search for edible fungi.

The event runs from 14:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 4 October. Ticket price is included in admission cost.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle in Banchory is the setting of a baffling ‘whodunnit’, as Halloween approaches.

The castle’s brand new murder mystery tour invites visitors to try out their skills of observation and deduction to solve the complex case of the recently deceased Head Housekeeper Elsie Forbes.

Budding detectives should know that one of the suspects is a sinister character indeed - Crathes’ ghost herself, the Green Lady, who is said to have first appeared in the mid-18th century and to have been causing trouble since.

Sharp-eyed visitors will try to spot a series of clues as they tour the castle, while also admiring its stunning interiors and fabulous collections of period furniture.

Property manager Gareth Clingan said:

“Crathes is always an atmospheric place to visit – especially at this time of year. We hope that our exciting new murder mystery proves really popular with visitors, adds an element of intrigue and makes their visit even more fun.”

The mystery runs between Thursday 1 and Saturday 31 October 2009, between 10:30 and 16:30. Ticket price is included in admission cost.  

The fascinating world of mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi will be explored at the National Trust for Scotland’s Castle Fraser on Sunday 4 October.

On a guided walk around the property’s grounds, visitors will learn about many aspects of fungal fact and fiction, from species identification to folklore. The event is aimed as an introduction to the topic for adults and older children. The walk starts and ends in the car park.

The fungal theme will continue after the walk in the tearoom, where an optional bowl of mushroom soup will be served.

The walk runs from 10:30 to 12:30 on Sunday 4 October and costs £3 for members and £5 for non-members. Soup costs £3 served alone and £4 with tea or coffee. Booking is essential, and can be done by contacting the property on 0944 493 2167.  

A pair of paintings from the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodick Castle has gone on show this week in New York as part of an exhibition exploring the work of 18th Century French painter Jean-Antoine Watteau.

‘The Enchanter’ and ‘The Adventuress’ by the artist will be on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from 22 September until 29 November in an exhibition entitled Watteau, Music, and Theater.

“Jean-Antoine Watteau is one of the most influential French painters of the early 18th Century and is most associated with Commedia dell’Arte characters and elegantly dressed men and women in parkland settings, such as the two painings from Brodick,” said Clare Meredith, the charity’s Head of Collections Conservation Services.

“We are thrilled that these two beautiful items are set to be enjoyed in a very different setting for a few weeks.”

Brodick Castle on the island of Arran is the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and has an array of paintings, furniture, porcelain and silver.

The Watteau paintings were once owned by the renowned art collector, travel writer and politician William Beckford, whose daughter was married to the 10th Duke.

Beckford’s extreme wealth and fabulous collection were legendary and the portion that came to Brodick is still on display today.

The paintings will return to Brodick after the exhibition.  

The fascinating world of mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi will be explored at the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle on Wednesday 30 September.

On a guided walk around the property’s grounds, visitors will learn about many aspects of fungal fact and fiction including how to identify different types of fungi. The event is an introduction to the topic and everyone is welcome to attend. The walk starts and ends in the car park.

The walk runs from 10:30 to 12:30 on Wednesday 30 September and costs £3 for members and £5 for non-members.
 

An opportunity has arisen to lease Canna’s cafe/restaurant. Canna is the most westerly of the Small Isles just 5 miles long and 1¼ miles wide with only 17 permanent residents.

Applicants must have proven catering experience and be able to open the business by Easter 2010. The community is interested in any additional skills applicants are able to offer.

The cafe/restaurant comes with residential accommodation.

To request an information pack and application form please e-mail Deb Baker, (Secretary, Canna Community Association) on debbaker21@yahoo.co.uk

Applications to be received by 2nd October 2009  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Pitmedden Garden will celebrate another successful harvest on Sunday 27 September with a song-filled sale of fruit from its historic orchard.

Members of the public can buy fruits from the gardens whilst listening to traditional music such as cornkisters - humourous Doric songs in the tradition of Bothy ballads.

The autumnal event runs from 10:00 to 17:00 on Sunday 27 September.
 

The fascinating world of mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi will be explored at the National Trust for Scotland’s Linn of Tummel on Sunday 27 September.

On a guided walk around the property’s grounds, visitors will learn about many aspects of fungal fact and fiction, from species identification to folklore. The event is an introduction to the topic and all are welcome to attend.

The walk starts and ends at Garry Bridge car park.

The walk runs from 14:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 27 September and costs £3 for adults and £2 for children.
 

A Bonhams auction bidder, Burns enthusiast Professor David Purdie, has sponsored one of the world’s most popular songs, Auld Lang Syne, for a sum of £10,000, making him the honorary curator of the artefacts which will go on display at the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, due to open in Alloway next year.

The unusual lot became available as part of an ambitious fundraising scheme by National Trust for Scotland which is hoping to raise £1 million during 2009 towards the creation of the new museum project dedicated to Burns in his native Ayrshire.

Professor Purdie, originally from Ayrshire, now has the privileged position of having safeguarded the manuscript within the museum – his good deed will be recognised by the installation of a plaque bearing his name as its patron.

Professor David Purdie, who is also a Patron of the National Trust for Scotland, was invited to give a talk on the evolution of Auld Lang Syne text at the Bonhams Scottish Sale last month – and ended up sponsoring the piece himself. He said: “Being an Ayrshire man, I have had a lifelong interest in our emblematic poet and being able to help safeguard the legacy of his most precious work is an absolute pleasure for me. There is a necessity to construct a major attraction in which to commemorate his life and work and the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will provide a lasting legacy for Burns and a major contribution to Ayrshire and to Scotland.”

“I see this as a contribution to my home town and my home county.”

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Director Nat Edwards said: “It is truly awe-inspiring that the original manuscript on which the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne were first penned will make such a significant contribution to the creation of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, as part of the final fundraising push to raise the remaining funds for the project.

“Our plans for the design of the building focus on celebrating the work and life of the famous bard – and it’s wonderful to think that Burns’ own creation all those hundreds of years ago will help us in our creation of a fully interactive, stimulating learning environment in which people can share their experiences of Robert Burns.

“Our kind-hearted lover of Burns, Professor David Purdie, who has ‘sponsored’ the manuscript will help us to achieve our vision and our gratitude goes out to him.”

Auld Lang Syne was written by Burns in 1788, his poetic words set to the tune of a traditional folk song. Since then, it has risen to international prominence and is known throughout the English-speaking world. Written in Scottish dialect, the title literally means “Old Long Since” or, more idiomatically, “Days Gone by”. In recent years it has come to serve as an anthem to celebrate the start of the new year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day.

Originally from Prestwick, Professor David Purdie followed an academic and medical research career, his scientific work being on the treatment of Osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease. He concluded his academic works in 2007 and now devotes his time to writing, broadcasting and public speaking. He is Chairman of the Walter Scott Society, Secretary of the Edinburgh Burns Club and a Patron of the National Trust for Scotland.
 

Burns authority and enthusiast Professor David Purdie, has become the conservator of one of the world’s most popular songs, Auld Lang Syne, for a sum of £10,000, making him the honorary curator of the artefacts which will go on display at the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, due to open in Alloway next year.

The unusual lot became available as part of an ambitious fundraising scheme by The National Trust for Scotland which is hoping to raise £1 million during 2009 towards the creation of the new museum project dedicated to Burns in his native Ayrshire.

Professor Purdie, originally from Ayrshire, now has the privileged position of having safeguarded the manuscript within the museum – his good deed will be recognised by the installation of a plaque bearing his name as its patron.

Professor David Purdie, who is also a Patron of the National Trust for Scotland, was invited to give a talk on the evolution of the Auld Lang Syne text and music at the Bonhams Scottish Sale last month – and went onto make the successful offer to The Trust himself. He said: “Being an Ayrshire man, I have had a lifelong interest in our emblematic poet and being able to help safeguard the legacy of one of his most precious works is an absolute pleasure for me. There is a necessity to construct a major attraction in which to commemorate his life and work and the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will provide a lasting legacy for Burns and a major contribution to Ayrshire and to Scotland.

“I see this as a contribution to my home town and my home county. The memory of the life and legacy of the man whose poems and songs, first laid before his family and friends in the farmlands of Ayrshire, were to become the property and the patrimony of Mankind.”

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Director Nat Edwards said: “It is truly awe-inspiring that the original manuscript on which the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne were first penned will make such a significant contribution to the creation of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, as part of the final fundraising push to raise the remaining funds for the project.

“Our plans for the design of the building focus on celebrating the work and life of the famous bard – and it’s wonderful to think that Burns’ own creation all those hundreds of years ago will help us in our creation of a fully interactive, stimulating learning environment in which people can share their experiences of Robert Burns.

“Professor David Purdie who has supported the manuscript will help us to achieve our vision and our gratitude goes out to him.”

Auld Lang Syne was written by Burns in 1788, his poetic words set to the tune of a traditional folk song. Since then, it has risen to international prominence and is known throughout the English-speaking world. Written in Scottish dialect, the title literally means “Old Long Since” or, more idiomatically, “Days Gone by”. In recent years it has come to serve as an anthem to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day.

Originally from Prestwick, Professor David Purdie followed an academic and medical research career, his scientific work being on the treatment of Osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease. He concluded his academic works in 2007 and now devotes his time to writing, broadcasting and public speaking. He is Chairman of the Walter Scott Society, Secretary of the Edinburgh Burns Club and a Patron of the National Trust for Scotland and the National Gallery of Scotland.
 

His Royal Highness the Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex spoke passionately about the importance of widening access to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at a dinner held in support of the charity at the National Trust for Scotland’s historic Drum Castle on Tuesday 15 September.

The Prince spoke of the importance of allowing those of all backgrounds to take part in the awards scheme at the event, which was attended by prominent members of Aberdeen’s business community. Those in attendance also heard of the personal experiences of some of the students and listened to recitals from representatives of Albyn, Banchory and Meldrum Academy.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Crarae Garden, is set to take part in a special event next week designed to celebrate some of the conservation charity’s most popular, unusual and remote gardens.

Crarae Garden, which is owned and managed by the Trust, will host a Garden Day on Wednesday 23 September.

Visitors will be able to ask the Head Gardener their horticultural questions and stock up on a variety of plants in a sale at the property’s Tree Shop.

More than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens will be hosting similar events this year in part of an initiative organised by Scotland’s Gardens Scheme – an initiative that supports gardens across the country.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Robert Grant said

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. Crarae Garden is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

The event runs between 10:00 and 17:00 on Wednesday 23 September. Prices are £5.50 for adults and £4.50 for concessions.

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/

 

As part of Scottish Archaeology Month and Borders Heritage Week, the National Trust for Scotland in partnership with Headland Archaeology is holding an Archaeology Open Day at St Abb’s Head near Coldingham on 26th September (10.00am to 4.00pm).

The day will include guided walks around the headland to highlight the pre-historic and medieval archaeology of the area.

And budding archaeologists can come along and try their hand at archaeological survey techniques. There will be two classes during the day - one at the cliff-top remains of a medieval monastery, the second at the picturesque fishing harbour in the village of St Abbs.

“St Abb’s Head is a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protected Area (SPA) and part of a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC). So not only will people be able to experience the beauty of this very special coastal area but also learn about archaeology and the history of this dramatic and stunning place,” said archaeologist Dr Daniel Rhodes of National Trust for Scotland.

Headland Archaeology director, Tim Holden said: “We are delighted to be involved with the open day at St Abb’s Head. Initiatives such as this provide the public with excellent insights into archaeology and foster greater understanding of our industry. Five of our staff will be present on the day and are more than happy to donate their free time to help the National Trust for Scotland.”

If you’d like to take part please contact Headland Archaeology on 0131 4677705 or email office@headlandarchaeology.com  

Experts will be on hand to give an in-depth study of the collection, in particular focusing on the selection of French furniture found in the mansion house’s drawing room. Star of the show will be Sarah Medlam of the Victoria and Albert Museum, who will act as a curator of continental furniture throughout the day.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Curator Ian Gow and Registrar Kate Mitchell will also be on hand, giving their view of the many treasures of the Mansion House. A light lunch and morning coffee is included in the ticket price.

The Trust’s Chief Curator Ian Gow said:

“Hill of Tarvit boasts an extremely impressive collection of antique objects, from its French furniture to its Flemish tapestries. I am excited to have the opportunity to help the public engage with its study, so that they might gain a deeper understanding of is beauty and variety.”

The event runs from 10:00 to 15:00 on Thursday 24 September and costs £20. Places are limited to 45, so booking is essential. To book, contact the property on 0844 4932185.  

An amazing new film has been launched at the National Trust for Scotland’s Bannockburn Heritage Centre today.

Minister for Schools and Skills Keith Brown launched the film which tells the story of the battle from the perspective of a young boy who witnesses the battle, and uses CGI to bring the size, scale and significance of the events to life for visitors.

Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of National Trust for Scotland:

“The Trust is privileged to look after some of Scotland’s most iconic battlefields. We have worked hard in recent years to develop these sites in a way that reaches out to young people and brings the past to life. The children here today were clearly enthralled by the new movie and we hope many more schools will take advantage of the subsidised travel we can offer.”

Elaine Wyllie, Head Teacher of St Ninian’s Primary in Stirling said:

“A visit to the Bannockburn Heritage Centre makes Scottish history real for children. They see the battlefield, the banners and the chain mail first hand and are able to look into the eyes of Robert the Bruce mounted on his horse and imagine the famous events of 700 years ago.”

The Scottish Government has provided conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland with the additional funding to subsidise school parties visiting Bannockburn, Culloden and Robert Burns’ birthplace in Alloway.

For more information, visit: www.nts.org.uk/Learn/subsidy.php
 

The diverse music collection of the 21st Laird of Brodie will be performed in its entirety for the first time at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle in a historic concert on Friday 11 September.

The concert, which is supported by a Cultural Engagement Grant, will feature many distinguished faces from the music world. Doctor Roger Williams, MBE will conduct and direct the pieces in the castle’s Drawing Room, drawing on his experiences as Music Director to the University of Aberdeen. Under his direction will be a number of talented musicians, including flautist Kay Ritchie, violinist Nathalie Vanballenberghe and the Aberdeen consort of voices.

The collection consists of thirty volumes of very varied music gathered by the Laird towards the end of the eighteenth century. Pieces for keyboard, fiddle music and songs will all feature in the concert, with music from composers as diverse as Handel, William Shield Kotzwara and Munroe.

Charlie Finlayson, property manager at Brodie, said:

“To be present at the first performance of a collection like this is something, but to have it be performed by people of such a high calibre is incredible. I am looking forward to this concert, which promises to be an exciting and extremely memorable occasion.”

The event runs from 19:45 to 22:00 on Friday 11 September and costs £25. To book, contact the property on 0844 4932156 or buy online at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Detail/168/.  

The vessel which ran aground on St Kilda during winter storms in February 2008, has been successfully dismantled and removed from the dual world heritage site.

The Spinningdale became stranded on jagged rocks during vicious winter storms is early 2008. Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland own and manage the remote islands and were worried that the wreck could harm the archipelago’s delicate environment. Following discussions with the Maritime Coastguard Agency and the Scottish Environment Group (EG) it was concluded that the safest and most environmentally friendly method of disposal would be to cut the vessel in situ and remove the sections for recycling.

Semac Salvage began dismantling the ship in June 2009 in a painstaking operation to break it down into pieces and transport these to the mainland. The work commenced after the Spinningdale worked itself free of its grounding site and there were concerns of possible damage to the coastline and the pier.

The crew of eight followed strict rules designed to protect the environment at the World Heritage Site, and were able only to use burning equipment to help dismantle the boat. No cranes were able to access the area, so all scrap was winched or carried by hand to the storage facility. The scrap metal is now being transported to a recycling facility in North Queensferry.

National Trust for Scotland Property Manager Susan Bain said:

“The Spinningdale has now been completely removed from St Kilda, which is excellent news. By working closely with Semac, we have ensured that the removal of the boat was carefully managed and prevented the delicate marine environment and our wonderful wildlife from being damaged. Visitors returning to visit next year will see no evidence, beyond a muddy stain that the Spinningdale was ever here.”

When the Spinningdale ran aground, there was concern that rats may transfer from the ship onto the island, endangering bird life. So far, there is no evidence that rats are on St Kilda. The National Trust for Scotland continues to monitor this situation closely.  

If you like fresh fruit, then Autumn is the perfect time for you to treat yourself to some produce from some of our gardens.

Priorwood Garden in Melrose and Pitmedden Garden in Aberdeenshire, for example, have arranged special evnets where visitors can buy produce from the gardens.

And for the green fingered amongst you, there's a special treat in store for you at Leith Hall. Visitors can select plants they'd like to purchase from a list and our gardeners will dig them up from the nursery.

For more information, click www.nts.org.uk/Events/Theme/16/  

…and give your secret Santa the chance to win an original Howson piece…

Proud Scots can forget the socks, bath salts and chocolates this Christmas and choose to gift their loved ones a unique present that will help preserve the legacy of iconic poet, Robert Burns. And with the chance to win a never-before-seen Peter Howson painting of the bard, worth an estimated £50,000 – a piece of the www.howsonburns.com pixel painting could be the best Christmas present…ever.

The perfect Yuletide present for Burns enthusiasts… or for those with a love of Howson’s often controversial work, a block of pixels can be purchased for only £10 to unveil a piece of the never-before-seen painting at www.howsonburns.com.

All funds raised will go towards the completion of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway and when all the pixels have been purchased and the painting has been revealed in its entirety for the very first time, one very lucky pixel person will win the painting.

Secret (or not-so-secret!) Santa’s can get creative when sending the e-gift with a line of poetry to rival the Bard’s, and when the message is opened, a piece of the painting will be uncovered for the first time.

Howson, whose fans include Madonna, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, grew up in Ayrshire admiring the work of the Bard, and has created the striking 6ft by 4ft painting to help the National Trust for Scotland raise the final £3.8 million needed to complete the new, state-of-the-art £21 million museum which is scheduled to open in summer 2010 in Alloway, Ayrshire.

So think outside the box this Christmas and give a gift that will help preserve the legacy of Scotland’s most famous son for years to come.

Pixels can be purchased at www.howsonburns.com.
 

A group of National Trust for Scotland conservation volunteers enjoyed a working holiday with a difference last week – restoring a dry stane dyke that runs along the edge of the world-famous battlefield of Culloden.

With the help of experienced dyker Neil Valentine from Inverness College, 10 volunteers from across the UK and Italy spent a week repairing the crumbling structure.

The project was run as part one of the charity’s many Thistle Camps - working holidays designed to enable people of all ages and interests to help in the conservation and management of the organisation’s many outdoor properties.

“Culloden is the site of the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil,” said Alex Elliott, facilities manager at the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, “and to be honest we are always fighting our own battle with nature in trying to restore the battlefield to how it might have looked in 1746.

“Vegetation, paths and walls on the battlefield need to be managed continuously, and we welcome all the support we can get from volunteers.

“A great time was had by all last week,” added Alex, “and we have a fantastic piece of restored dyke in the Culwhiniac Enclosure on the battlefield to show for it.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s next Annual General Meeting takes place at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh on Saturday 26 September.

The AGM is an ideal opportunity for Trust members to hear first hand about the charity’s work and discuss the latest developments. As a member, it’s also your chance to ask questions and talk to our Chairman Shonaig Macpherson and meet Chief Executive Kate Mavor. Attending the AGM is a great way to support the Trust and play your part in building a strong Trust for tomorrow. For more information, visit…  

The National Trust for Scotland is hosting a Burns at Brodie afternoon this coming Sunday (6th September) at Brodie Castle to celebrate Robert Burns’ visit to the Castle 222 years ago to the day.

From 2pm on Sunday, Burns enthusiasts will be entertained by renowned Burns expert and impersonator, Kevin Thompson who will be telling the compelling Burns story in true poetic style.

Kevin will bring Burns’ tale to life through a series of poems, song and insight into the Bard combining both entertainment and education. The event, for which tickets are available from £6, will appeal to both long-lasting fans of the Bard and young minds eager to learn about one of Scotland’s most famous sons.

Kevin will also be joined by the traditional Scottish music duo ‘Pur’, made up of sisters Katie MacKenzie and Shona Donaldson, who will take to the stage to perform songs from their forthcoming debut album ‘The Lasses Reply’ – the world’s first album of Burns songs in Scots and Gaelic.

In the run up to the event, Brodie Castle is running a writing competition for local school-children children - the winner will be announced at the event and have their entry displayed at near-by Falconer Museum.

Burns at Brodie tickets can be purchased from The National Trust for Scotland at www.nts.org.uk for £10 Adult / £8 Concession. The event takes place between 14:00 – 17:000 on 6 September 2009. For directions or further information on activities taking place on the day, please call 0844 493 2156.
 

Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, Shonaig Macpherson, has announced that Scotland’s leading conservation charity is to begin the search for a new Chair. The recruitment process will begin later this month.

The move follows Ms Macpherson’s confirmation of her decision not to stand for a second term in office when the current appointment concludes in September 2010 which she had already announced at the Trust’s Council meeting in June.

In explaining her decision at a scheduled meeting of the Trust’s Board held in Edinburgh, she said:

“The Board has always been aware that it has never been my intention to complete a second term of office at the Trust. Over the next twelve months, a major review of the Trust’s governance structure and its future role in looking after Scotland’s heritage is to be carried out. In terms of timing it makes sense to seek a new Chair to co-incide with this review rather than later next year when the review will be almost complete.

“It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of this prestigious organisation and I am enormously proud of what we have achieved over the past four years – improving the Trust’s financial situation, with visitors numbers up and membership now well over 310,000.

“I remain committed to the National Trust for Scotland and will work with the President and Council to seek the appointment of a new Chair who will take the Trust on to the next stage of its development. Once my replacement is in post and a proper handover period has been completed I shall stand down.”

President of the National Trust for Scotland, the Duke of Buccleuch, praised Shonaig Macpherson’s exceptional dedication to the Trust over the past four years.

He said:

”No one can imagine the passion, energy and time Shonaig has given to the Trust on a voluntary basis.

“Shonaig has always been clear that she would work with the Board and management to steer the organisation through what was a period of financial and structural change. I believe enormous progress has been made in getting the Trust’s finances onto a sound footing and she has driven the overhaul of the Trust’s structure that was essential for its survival.

“She has led it in the highly acclaimed development of the new visitor centre at Culloden and in its most ambitious project ever, the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.”
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland’s membership has increased by more than thirty per cent over the past ten years to its highest level ever.

New figures show that 2009 has been a great year for membership recruitment at the Trust’s 130 properties and on its website - between February and July membership increased by 6000. The new recruits take the total membership to 315,000 – the charity’s highest number ever.

The figures come as the Trust releases its latest Annual Review and Accounts for the period February 2008 – 2009, which show that the organisation is continuing to take steps towards ensuring its long term financial sustainability.

The accounts show that membership is the charity’s biggest revenue stream, generating income of more than £10 million in the last financial year.

Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“As our accounts show, our members remain our most important asset, and their contributions make the largest contribution to the charity, so it is good news that we are continuing to attract more and more members.

“We are grateful for their support and hope that many more will come forward and join our ranks, as we strive to inspire people to play a part in protecting our heritage.”

The financial results show that during the year ending 28 February 2009 the organisation increased its General Income Fund which funds the charity’s vital conservation work by £900,000, increasing the GIF balance to £4.1million.

Kate Mavor continued:

“We are continuing to work hard to control costs and take the steps that are needed to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the Trust. Cutting our overheads means more money for the important work of carrying out our vital conservation work for the benefit of the nation.”

Finance Director Lesley Watt said:

“Working to secure our long term financial security is still a priority for the Trust. We ended last year slightly ahead of our projections due to a combination of a higher than expected legacy income and a reduction in spend on projects, however, the Trust’s General Income Fund, its only free reserve remains too low.

“As a result the Trust had no buffer in reserve to protect it from the worsening economic conditions and we had to move quickly earlier this year to respond to this. Through our decisive action, we have ensured that the Trust is better placed to cope with any further forthcoming economic challenges.”  

Children can discover little terrors of their very own in a bug and beastie filled morning by the National Trust for Scotland’s David Livingstone Centre, Blantyre.

The event, which forms the first session this year of the conservation charity’s Livingstone Nature Explorers Club, revolves around the weird and wonderful minibeasts that lurk in the property’s grounds. Children will search for bugs in the gardens around the property before an arts and crafts session themed around the beasties.

The Livingstone Nature Explorer’s Club is a three session long programme designed to introduce local 7 to 12 year olds to the wonders of the natural world that can be found on their doorstep. A hands-on experience is encouraged, with members of the club likely to get mucky!

Retail Manager Stuart Whittaker said:

“David Livingstone was fascinated by the natural world when he was a child, and so it is natural that the Nature Explorer’s Club should be named in his honour. It’s great that children around here will have the chance to learn about their environment in the place he would have done himself.”

The event runs from 10:30 to 12:00 on Saturday 12 September and costs £2 per child. Booking is essential, and can be done by contacting 0844 493 2207.
 

The mountains of Glencoe are even greener today after the National Trust for Scotland’s visitor centre there was once again recognised for its exceptional environmental standards.

The famous and beautiful landscape, a large part of which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, has retained its Gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, which rates tourist attractions on a wide range of environmental practices.

Glencoe first received the award in 2006 and underwent a re-audit in April 2009, which resulted in it being once again recognised for its eco-friendly policies.

Property manager Scott McCombie said:

"It's great that the Trust is recognised in this way. It shows we not only care for the mountains, but care about how we present information about them to the public."

The Green Tourism Business Scheme award auditor for Glencoe said that the centre retains its Gold award due to the continued commitment shown in all areas to good environmental practices and commended staff as committed and enthusiastic about informing the visitor of all the wonderful things to be seen in this beautiful area of Scotland.

Glencoe is committed to sustainability, aiming to conserve the site for generations to come. The visitors centre is designed to be eco-friendly, built largely of locally sourced timber and standing on stilts to prevent intrusion on tree roots or the passage of groundwater. Water is filtered from a nearby burn, and heating comes from a boiler burning locally sourced woodchips. The building is highly energy efficient with insulation made of sheep’s wool and recycled paper, and is CO­2­ neutral in operation. Glencoe is also active in promoting the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Entry to Glencoe Visitor Centre is free for members of the National Trust or the National Trust for Scotland, for non-members tickets are £5.50 for adults and £4.50 for children and concessions.  

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s Castle Fraser, Sauchen were delighted last week when they were given a very special violin made from a sycamore tree from the property grounds.

Teacher David Duthie donated the instrument to the castle after fashioning it from wood from the fallen tree. While at the castle, he showed the violin off to the property’s staff, explaining to them the techniques through which he had made it.

Staff now intend to put the instrument to good use, displaying it in the castle and using it for occasional musical events.

Doline Kilgour, Senior Assistant at Castle Fraser, said:

“As the National Trust for Scotland is a conservation charity it’s great to see someone do something like this, using a dead tree on our land to create something beautiful for us. David’s violin is beautiful and I look forward to hearing it being played many times in the future.“  

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has recorded huge increases in bat numbers at Ben Lomond in Stirling.

In Ardess Lodge which houses the Trust’s offices over 90 bats were observed in a survey, up from 21 last year. Meanwhile, more than 300 bats were seen at the site’s Blairvockie Farm, while an information block adjacent to Trust ground at Rowardennan Car Park revealed over 500 bats.

The count cements Ben Lomond’s status as the most bat-happy property in the Trust, with more bats recorded there than at any other site. The bats were mostly soprano pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), a species common throughout Scotland.

Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser at the Trust, said:

“These findings show both that this area of Ben Lomond has some of the biggest roosts on or beside Trust property and that the roosts appear to be in a very healthy state. As bats are given such high conservation priority by law, seeing them in such large numbers on Trust ground is very encouraging.”  

The proposal by the Ministry of Defence to reduce costs at its Hebrides Range and which includes withdrawal of its entire staff from the St Kilda tracking station in favour of remote control, could cost conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland millions it has emerged today.

The charity says its annual running costs for the island would increase to more than £500,000 in its response to the MoD’s consultation on proposed changes to its operations in the Western Isles.

In addition, the Trust would face a massive bill of many millions to repair or remove buildings currently leased by the MoD. Under the lease arrangements, these buildings would revert to the charity.

St Kilda is the UK’s only Mixed World Heritage Site, designated for both its natural and cultural significance. It is one of the north-east Atlantic’s most significant seabird colonies, which includes the largest gannet colony in the world. It also has a wealth of archaeological remains which give evidence of a unique island life dating back thousands of years.

MoD staff have been based on St Kilda since 1957 and the Trust shares vital infrastructure and services with the base. Power, water and transport are all part of the current deal between the Trust and its tenants. MoD staff also provide vital emergency services like advanced medical care.

As well as placing additional financial burdens on the conservation charity, the decision to remove MoD staff would mean that the Trust would have to increase its own staffing complement on the island, and provide its own support services, currently arranged with MoD. This would be essential to ensure that the archipelago was properly protected against the threat of damage to buildings and monuments by storms or vandalism and potential environmental damage from introduced species from passing boats which could have devastating effects upon the seabirds, unique St Kilda wren and mouse or the Soay sheep.

Director of Properties and Visitor Services, Michael Hunter said:

“We have very serious concerns about these proposals which have major implications for our management of the UK’s only Mixed World Heritage Site. As a charity, we would struggle to find the extra funds needed to cover the costs of running operations on St Kilda. Inevitably, we would look to public bodies to help support us in our vital work to protect and preserve this wonderful place for the benefit of everyone.

“The Trust remains open to dialogue and discussion and we very much hope that we can work with the MoD to find a solution which recognises the importance of St Kilda for Scotland and the world, and the important role that our charity plays in conserving that for future generations.”  

The National Trust for Scotland is readying to celebrate the beauty of some of its most popular, unusual and remote gardens in a series of Garden Days starting in May and continuing into the summer.

The days are organised as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which supports gardens across the country.

Across Scotland, more than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens are getting involved, putting on special events such as ‘ask the gardener’, hosting music ensembles, and taking visitors on a tour of the unusual or interesting features at their gardens.

Falkland Palace, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity, is taking part in the scheme on Wednesday 26 August. Visitors will be able to marvel at the splendour of the gardens, which are famed for their colourful herbaceous borders and unusual shrubs and trees.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Jan Haenraets said:

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. Falkland Palace is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

The event runs between 10:00 and 17:00 on Wednesday 26 August. Tickets are £5.50 for adults and £4 for concessions, with a family ticket costing £13.50 and a single family ticket £10.

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/  

Deaf visitors to the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle in Ayrshire can, for the first time, enjoy a guided tour of the stunning cliff top castle.

The conservation charity is trying out new technology that enables visitors to take a British Sign Language tour of the castle. The tour is broadcast on an iPod, which visitors take round the property.

So far, the iPod tour is the only one in existence across the entire organisation.

The original concept came from the Trust’s Learning Services Department and was created by the Glasgow-based Deaf Connections. The Trust hopes to increase the number of iPods and properties covered by the tours in future, if funding can be secured.

Culzean Learning Manager Lorna Cawood said:

“The Trust is a place for everyone, so at Culzean we are really placed to be blazing a trail with this new technology which opens the castle’s secrets up for our deaf visitors. So far, the tour has only been used by a handful of visitors, who were so pleased that we could offer this facility.”

Gordon Chapman, Chief Executive of Deaf Connections said:

"We are delighted to have worked in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland to enable them to make Culzean Castle accessible to deaf people. Hopefully they will be successful in achieving further funding to enable more deaf people to more fully enjoy the historical memorabilia and delights available in further properties."

While Culzean is currently the only Trust property to offer this facility, many properties offer hearing induction loops or hearing assistance equipment.

The Trust requires further financial support if it is to expand its current offering of British Sign Language tours at its properties. Anyone interested in helping should contact Colin Macconachie on 0131 243 9313.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun is to feature in the Grampian Wedding Directory’s autumn catalogue. The 18th century house and medieval estate was recently chosen to host a photo shoot which will showcase the stunning wedding venue.

The House of Dun, near Montrose, is an ideal location to celebrate the happiest day of your life. The Georgian house provides a charming setting for both intimate and large weddings while the walled garden is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and beautiful photographs.

The catalogue’s photo shoot took place against the backdrop of the historic house and Victorian gardens.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“We were delighted to host the Grampian wedding directory and assist with their photo shoot. As one of Angus’s premier locations for weddings we were really delighted to be approached and show what we have to offer brides and grooms-to-be here at the House of Dun.”

The National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s premier conservation charity, has 18 unique venues for weddings throughout Scotland. From stately homes like the House of Dun, to castles, gardens and palaces, these historic locations add style and splendor to your big day. For more information visit www.nts.org/functions, email functions@nts.org.uk or phone 0844 493 2111.  

Lost your wedding venue with only three weeks to go? Don’t panic – the National Trust for Scotland can still offer you a perfect day on a date that you won’t forget in a hurry – 9/9/9.

For couples making last minute arrangements there are still beautiful venues available for perfect weddings, large and small. And for members of the emergency services the Trust will provide wonderful wedding venues for just £999.

Broughton House in Kirkcudbright is a truly magical location for an intimate wedding.

The opulent oak-panelled gallery, displaying many of Hornel’s wistful paintings, offers a truly romantic setting for both civil and religious weddings.

Alternatively, the secret garden provides a secluded space for smaller wedding ceremonies. Afterwards guests can sip champagne while they explore the garden with its glorious flowerbeds and enchanting water features or wander back through the gallery, enjoying music played upon the 1905 grand piano.

Meanwhile the glorious Threave gardens in Castle Douglas is the perfect place for a larger gathering. A marquee would make a breath-taking location for up to 300 guests. Afterwards guests can sip champagne while they explore the garden with its glorious herbaceous borders, heathers, rose garden, conifers, and rock garden.

National Hospitality Coordinator Rebecca Wakeford said:

“These beautiful venues will offer you a day you will never forget, in wonderful surroundings. And with our special emergency service package, we’re offering wonderful value for couples who are employed in the emergency services, or for friends and family of those working in these important roles.

“If couples want to take advantage of the fantastic offer they have to act quickly as their marriage notices would need to be submitted tomorrow (20 August). Act now and get an amazing wedding venue, but remember there will be no excuses for forgetting your anniversary!”

For other venues with 9/9/9 availability and bookings, contact 0844 493 2599.  

Twenty five bearded David Bellamy look-alikes will jump into the sea at St Abb’s Harbour on Tuesday 18 August at 14.00 to mark the 25th anniversary of the UK’s first voluntary marine reserve.

The St Abb’s and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve was launched on 18 August 1984, by David Bellamy himself. This year, the reserve is celebrating a significant birthday, but sadly, David Bellamy can’t make the party.

So to commemorate the special day, 25 beard wearing marine supporters will brave the cool waters at St Abb’s and help the celebrations go with a splash.

Marine Reserve Ranger Liza Cole who works with the National Trust for Scotland, said:

“It is a great achievement to have reached the 25th year of the voluntary marine reserve. The concept was truly ground breaking and we were the first of our type in the UK. Since then, our model has influenced and improved the way that many coastal communities live and work together, for the benefit of the marine life that sustains their economies and their tourism too.

“We were disappointed that David Bellamy couldn’t come back to see us on this special occasion, but we’ve come up with a creative alternative. We’ll have 25 Davids – one for every year of the marine reserve - dive into the harbour as a special birthday celebration.”

Other celebrations planned include a big birthday bash on Saturday 15 August, complete with ceilidh and hogroast.

And also on 18 August at 11.00, pupils from Eyemouth Primary and Eyemouth Beavers will start off the day's celebrations by having a ceremonial "paddle in" at Eyemouth Beach. These children are playing their part in the marine reserve by carrying out beach cleans and surveys as part of the national Adopt-a-beach project, so it is very fitting that they are playing an important part in the festivities.  

Students of a hands-on education programme received their prestigious Craftsman Gardener’s Certificates at the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Gardens, Castle Douglas on 17 August.

The year-long course allows students to gain valuable practical experience with the conservation charity, with opportunities to work with experienced horticulturists and to gain knowledge of a wide variety of plant material. The course is well regarded, attracting students from overseas.

As their time at the Threave School of Practical Gardening comes to a close, the five students intend to make good use of their experience, going on to work in or study horticulture. The coming year’s intake of students will arrive at the gardens in the next few weeks.

The day also marked the official unveiling of an attractive water and sculpture feature in the property’s Patio Garden, which is dedicated to volunteer and legacy donor Barbara Hargreave.

Brian Corr, Head Gardener at Threave, said:

“In these economic times it is great to see people so eager to learn practical skills that are in demand. The Threave Craftsman Gardener’s Certificate will allow our students to help in the care of historic gardens around the world, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. I am proud of every one of them and wish them every success in their future.”  

The National Trust for Scotland is inviting Burns enthusiasts of all ages to bring their Rabbie relics along to a free information day which is being hosted at the Tam o’Shanter Experience in Burns National Heritage Park, Alloway on Sunday 30 August 2009.

A team of the country’s most respected Burns experts including curator of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, David Hopes, conservator Sylvia Krauss and Senior Curator Kenneth Dunn will be on hand at the Tam o’Shanter Experience from noon to 5pm to offer advice and expert insight into visitors’ items.

There will also be lots of fun activities going on through the afternoon to keep little (and big!) kids entertained with storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, poetry and songs.

David Hopes encouraged people to have a dig around the attic for any interesting Burns artifacts to bring along: “You never know what you might have lying around, we’ve had some amazing Burns finds at the museum recently and it got us thinking about all of the items that could be lying at the bottom of people’s cupboards or in boxes in the attic. Although we won’t be able to give valuations, think of this like the Alloway Antiques Road Show… with an aptly themed Burns subject matter at its heart!”

Burnsianarama is a free event for all the family – for more information on activities taking place on the day, please call 01292 443700.
 

Pre-historic artwork which has lain undiscovered for centuries has been uncovered on Ben Lawers by an amateur archaeologist.

The ancient carvings were discovered by rock art enthusiast George Currie on land cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. The art is similar to other prehistoric pieces found in the area, consisting of concave depressions known as cup marks or cup and ring marks, which are carved upon rocks. The purpose of the artworks is still unknown.

The newly-discovered rock is unusual because it has more than ninety cup marks and at least four cup and ring marks. A number of linear grooves can also be seen, with some still showing the individual blows of the craftsman’s stone pick. This is a much higher concentration of the markings than is normally found.

Derek Alexander, archaeologist for the National Trust for Scotland, said:

“This is an exciting find as it shows that there remains undiscovered prehistoric rock art to be found in the Scottish hills. More surprising are the quantity and variety of the symbols displayed on this boulder.

“Through both targeted research by professional archaeologists and the work of dedicated amateurs like George Currie we now know that Ben Lawers forms one of the major concentrations cup and ring marks in the Highlands, which suggests it was a very significant landscape in prehistory.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland has today announced plans to launch an exciting online auction on 16 August 2009 – ‘Bid for Burns’ – offering a range of money-can’t-buy experiences on auction site eBay to raise money for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

With prizes showcasing the stunning range of properties and experiences on offer from the National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s leading conservation charity, all money raised from the auction to be found at www.nts.org.uk/charityauction will go towards the fundraising of the final £3.8million required for the completion of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, scheduled to open in summer 2010 in the village of Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland.

Private fishing rights beside the Brig O’ Doon as well as a gardening masterclass at award-winning Threave Estate are up for grabs on eBay along with overnight stays at National Trust for Scotland properties. With a top Scottish chef, a renowned whisky blender and a haunted castle property manager also included in the ‘Bid for Burns’ prizes, these experts will be on hand to ensure that the auction winners have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is the largest project the National Trust for Scotland has ever undertaken and will epitomise Scotland’s proud heritage, paying homage to Robert Burns – Scotland’s national bard. The new state-of-the-art museum will see the restoration of the Burns Birthplace Cottage where Robert Burns was born and the development of a centre for learners of all ages and abilities to engage with Burn’s work, life and Scottish poetry, song and literature.

Museum Director, Nat Edwards said: “The ‘Bid for Burns’ auction is an excellent way to offer some truly unique ‘one-off’ experiences to members of the public and also raise money for a very important cause - the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

“We have put together an exciting and diverse selection of auction items which will appeal to those looking to experience something that little bit different - whether it’s for themselves or as a gift to a friend or family member.”

He added: “The National Trust for Scotland needs the public to help preserve the Burns legacy for generations to come.”

The online auction is hosted through the user friendly eBay auction site ensuring an easy, straightforward and secure bidding process. To bid on one of the exciting prizes on offer (details below) please visit: www.nts.org.uk/charityauction

Private fishing rights on the picturesque River Doon at Brig O’ Doon, Alloway...
Enjoy highly sought after and completely exclusive private fishing rights beside one of the UK’s most famous bridges - the Brig O’ Doon -on the River Doon in Alloway, Ayrshire. This prize will appeal to fishing fanatics throughout Scotland and beyond, guaranteeing a private spot for you and two people on one of the best rivers in the country. Nibble on a hamper of goodies including Walkers shortbread as you wait to land your catch of the day.

Experience the paranormal at the mysterious Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, with a ‘ghostly’ overnight stay for 4...
Interact with the ghosts and ghouls of ancient history with a private tour night tour at one of Scotland’s most haunted castles – Fyvie Castle, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire. When night falls feast on a sumptuous meal, courtesy of some of the top food producers from Aberdeenshire as well as a dram from Jura Superstition whisky. If you are brave enough to attempt some sleep then enjoy an overnight stay in The Preston Tower, the oldest and most haunted part of the castle.

A bloomin’ marvellous gardening masterclass and overnight stay at the stunning Threave Estate...
This prize for two people will help polish your gardening skills with an exclusive private lesson from the world-famous gardeners at the stunning Threave Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. Following a satisfying day in the garden, tempt your taste buds with some delicious afternoon tea to help you unwind before retiring for the night to one of the picturesque cottages on the Estate.

Fine chef, Jacqueline O’Donnell, teams up with world’s top whisky blender, Richard Paterson, to visit your home and create a food & drink extravaganza for you and your friends....
Experience an exquisite meal and exciting culinary tales for you and a group of friends when one of Scotland’s finest chefs, Jacqueline O’Donnell, of celebrated restaurant’ The Sisters’ in Glasgow, visits your home and takes over your kitchen to whisk up some truly decadent delights.

Making the evening one to remember you will also be joined by the world’s top master blenders, Richard Paterson of Whyte & Mackay, treating you to an exclusive whisky tasting and matching some of the finest blends and malts with your meal.

Terms and Conditions apply, visit www.nts.org.uk/CharityAuction for details.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s historic Fyvie Castle plays host to one of the most exciting events in the Fyvie Homecoming Festival on Sunday August 30.

First Minister Alex Salmond is opening the event which offers a packed programme of Scottish music and dance with pipers, highland dancers, folk musicians and a silver band and Celtic gypsy dancers.

There will also be a small market of local food and drinks, as well as craft wares and gifts.

At the end of the day the Gordon Highlanders and the Huntly and District Pipe Band will join forces to play the festival out, performing the "Beating the Retreat" ceremony.

The Festival, which has received financial support from the European Union’s LEADER communities fund and Aberdeenshire Council, is an official partner of Homecoming Scotland 2009. With the event running throughout the weekend from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August, many of Fyvie’s most familiar landmarks will be involved in a range of events designed to interest local and homecomer alike.

Fyvie Castle will be open from 11:00 on Sunday 30 August and the event begins at 13.30. Entry is free and car parking costs £1.

For more information about the festival, visit www.fyviehomecoming.com.
 

The magical tale of Mowgli’s jungle adventures will be brought to life in the glorious grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s Castle Fraser, Sauchen on Friday 21 August.

Performed by Illyria, a company renowned for its open-air theatre productions, Mowgli Stories, tells the story of a young man who emerges from the jungle and leads a forest officer straight to where the man-eating tiger has hidden. Mowgli claims he grew up in the jungle, speaks all the animals’ languages and learned their laws.

This brand new production uses an ensemble chorus, masks, puppetry and song to evoke the amazing world of Kipling’s jungle.

Bring some chairs and a picnic for a fun-packed family outing. The play takes place on Friday 21 August from 19.00- 22.00. Tickets are priced at £12.00 for an adult, £6.00 for a child and £8.00 for a concession and are available at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/162/.  

D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis will be dropping by the National Trust for Scotland’s Hill of Tarvit near Cupar on Saturday 29 August, when they take to the stage in a swashbuckling production of the Three Musketeers.

Performed by Illyria, a company renowned for its open-air theatre productions will bring the drama and high-jinks of the French court to this amazing, action-packed outdoor production. This brand new production is sumptuously costumed, fast-moving, and packed with dazzling swordplay.

Bring some chairs and a picnic and enjoy this fun-packed family outing. The play takes place on Saturday 29 August from 19.30 - 22.30, and gates open at 17.30. Tickets are priced at £14.00 for adults and £8.00 for children and are available at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/163/.  

The magical tale of Mowgli’s jungle adventures will be brought to life in the glorious grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle, Forres on Thursday 20 August.

Performed by Illyria, a company renowned for its open-air theatre productions, Mowgli Stories, tells the story of a young man who emerges from the jungle and leads a forest officer straight to where the man-eating tiger has hidden. Mowgli claims he grew up in the jungle, speaks all the animals’ languages and learned their laws.

This brand new production uses an ensemble chorus, masks, puppetry and song to evoke the amazing world of Kipling’s jungle.

Bring some chairs and a picnic for a fun-packed family outing. The play takes place on Thursday 20 August from 19.00- 22.00. Tickets are priced at £12.00 for an adult, £6.00 for a child and £8.00 for a concession and are available at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/173/.  

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is giving visitors the chance to learn more about the long history of Leith Hall, Huntly during an open weekend on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2009.

Throughout the weekend expert staff and volunteers will provide free guided tours of the mansion house, giving an insight into its history and the families who have lived there.

Tina Low, Property Manager at Leith Hall, said:

“We know that for many people the decision to close Leith Hall was a sad one. We’d like to invite everyone who has happy memories of the property to come along and celebrate the house’s long history over our open weekend. It will be a great opportunity to enjoy the collections. It will also be a great chance to learn more about some of our exciting new plans for the future.”

The Leith Hall tearoom will also be open throughout the weekend, and entertainment will be laid on for both adults and children. A plant sale will take place in the courtyard.

Following a consultation period which concluded in May 2009, the Trust confirmed that Leith Hall mansion house would not open for the 2009 season. Its gardens and grounds remain open to the public. The garden is currently hosting its Gallery in the Garden exhibition which runs until 31 August.

The charity is considering a range of options for the mansion house which will safeguard the both the house and its contents.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, has this week started weaving a blanket which will be exhibited on the bed where Burns was born, at the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, opening in Alloway in summer 2010.
The idea was generated by head weaver and property manager of the Weaver’s Cottage Museum Christine MacLeod, who wanted to draw together those who have a passion for Burns’ work and allow individuals to actively contribute to the redevelopment of the Burns National Heritage Park.
The names of those who contribute to its production on a 200 year old loom at Weaver’s Cottage, will be listed and presented to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum during the hand-over of the blanket. Members of the public are invited to the Cottage throughout the month of august 2009 to watch the blanket being made.
Christine said: “Ultimately the blanket will appear to be like a piece of tartan, covering the bed, but it is in fact a story in cloth. It is not only a link with the story of the birth of the first child of William Burness and Agnes Broun in the cottage, but a link with those today who continue to do what they can to promote and cherish the work of Robert Burns throughout the world.”
“I feel really privileged and proud to be involved in the new Robert Burns’ Birthplace Museum as it will provide a lasting legacy of our greatest cultural icon for generations to come.
Burns-enthusiasts who have been invited to visit the Kilbarchan cottage over the month of August 2009 to throw a shuttle on the loom include Culture Minister Mike Russell, songwriter and performers Michael Marra and Phil Cunningham, Scots Singer of the Year 2008/2009 Emily Smith, Glasgow Gaelic School, and representatives from Greenock Burns Club - the oldest Burns club in the world.
Cottage staff and Weaver’s Cottage volunteers are also making three rag rugs for the floor of Burns’ bedroom and members of The Weaver’s Cottage Support Group are hand sewing the linen curtains for the bed and windows.
Picturesque Kilbarchan was once the centre of a thriving hand loom weaving industry. In the 1830s its population of just over 2000 worked on the village’s 800 looms. But, as large factories began to compete, the number of hand looms diminished until, at the end of the Second World War, there were only two still in production.
The Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan was left to the National Trust for Scotland by its last owners and was opened to the public in 1957. As well as preserving the living conditions of 19th century weavers, staff make sure visitors can witness the traditional skills. Weaver’s Cottage, built in 1723, pre dates Burns cottage of c1759. Robert Burns would have been entirely familiar with the techniques which are still in use at the Cottage today, so much so he wrote about it in poetry and song.
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is set to house the most important Burns collection in the world, bringing Burns to life for the 21st century by celebrating his life, work and contribution to Scottish culture. The new state-of-the-art museum project also includes the restoration of the Burns Birthplace Cottage where Robert Burns was born and the development of a centre for learners of all ages and abilities to engage with Burn’s work, life and Scottish poetry, song and literature.
There is £3.8million still to raise for the project. Individuals interested in donating to or fundraising for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum should visit www.nts.org.uk/Burns/CelebrateBurns/.
The weaving of the Burns blanket will take place in August 2009 and the blanket will remain at the cottage until it closes for the winter season on the 30th September 2009. Weavers Cottage, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, is open everyday from 1pm-5pm, except on Wednesdays and Thursdays www.nts.org.uk/Property/62/
 

A 13th century English coin, thought to have been buried underground for 700 years has been unearthed by a construction worker whilst digging the foundations of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

The coin, a long cross silver penny minted in London and bearing the head of Edward I (known as Hammer of the Scots), was discovered by David Nelson, an employee of Border Construction, as work continues on the site of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which is due to open in the summer of 2010.

Project Curator of the National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, David Hopes explained the coin’s relevance to the bard:

“This coin has a nice connection with Burns - it was found near the cottage where he was born and where he grew up reading stories about William Wallace who was, as well documented, a great source of inspiration for the young bard. The coin bears the head of Edward 1, known as ‘Hammer of the Scots’ who was repelled by Wallace.

“The coin dates back to the late 13th century so it is likely that it has lain buried and undiscovered for over 700 years. It’s a surprise find for us and will go on display when the new museum opens next summer.”

Since work began on-site in May 2009, a number of interesting artefacts have been re-discovered including most recently an intricate hand-painted portrait of Robert’s son James Glencairn Burns and a letter from General Giuseppe Garibaldi detailing his admiration for the bard. The items will be displayed alongside the13th century silver cross long penny when the museum opens its doors in the summer of 2010.

While construction work is underway, visitors can enjoy ‘A Star is Born: Robert Burns’ – an exhibition in Rozelle House, Alloway, which explores how the once sleepy village became the epicentre of worldwide interest in one of Scotland’s most important figures.

Upon completion, the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will house more than 5,000 items, the most important Burns collection in the world and will continue to spread the word about Burns, his life and work, educating and inspiring visitors for generations to come.

Individuals interested in donations or fundraising for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum should visit www.nts.org.uk/Burns/CelebrateBurns/  

Visitors to the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodick Castle on Arran will be transported back in time as they meet a Duke, a Duchess and their entourage as part of a special Victorian day, on Sunday 16 August.

With the clocks set back 150 years, the castle will seem quite different to its 2009 incarnation. The Duchess lies grumpily in her bed attended to by her Butler, the cook tends to the kitchen while Nanny keeps a watchful eye on the children’s toys.

As the occupants of the castle go about their daily routines, they will be surrounded by a wide variety of diversions. The Drawing Room will play host to a selection of music and song, while various local crafts will be demonstrated by local ladies. Walks back in time will take place within the castle. Arran Brass will be on hand to provide music in the gardens.

Children will be well catered for throughout the day, as they have the opportunity to make Victorian greetings cards, participate in wacky races and search for the fairies hiding around the castle.

The event runs from 11:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 16 August 2009. Ticket price is included in admission cost.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece The Hill House provides a fitting backdrop for Lyrical Abstraction 2, an exhibition of contemporary abstract stone sculpture which runs at the Helensburgh property between 15 August and 31 October 2009.

The exhibition, produced by Kate Thomson and Honoriri Katagiri, is the latest in a long line of acclaimed work for the sculptors, who have recently moved back to Scotland after living in Japan for 20 years. Together, they have exhibited work throughout the world, and in 2003 jointly won first prize in Japan’s Numakunai Art Road Project.

A private viewing of the sculptures will be opened by Japanese Consul General Kenichi Suganuma on the evening of Friday 14 August, ahead of the opening of the exhibition to the public.

Kate said:

“The Hill House is an ideal space to illustrate both the Scottish and Japanese cultural and aesthetic contexts. I hope our sculpture will highlight how the Mackintosh’s architecture retains its innovative beauty and is still relevant to the modern world.

“I am tickled by the fact that the opening of our exhibition coincides with the start of the Edinburgh Festival. I wonder if the residents of Edinburgh, in search of a little peace and quiet, might like to make their way to the west coast to see some contemporary abstract sculpture.”

The exhibition runs between 15 August and 31 October 2009, with works in the House situated in the exhibition room on the first floor. Hill House is open 7 days a week from 13.30 till 17.30, with the garden open from 9:00 to 17.30. Ticket price is included in admission cost.

For more information about Kate Thomson and Hironori Katagiri and for images of their sculptures visit www.ukishima.net.  

The National Trust for Scotland is readying to celebrate the beauty of some of its most popular, unusual and remote gardens in a series of Garden Days starting in May and continuing into the summer.

The days are organised as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which supports gardens across the country.

Across Scotland, more than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens are getting involved, putting on special events such as ‘ask the gardener’, hosting music ensembles, and taking visitors on a tour of the unusual or interesting features at their gardens.

Greenbank Garden, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity, is taking part in the scheme on Thursday 13 August. Interpretive walks will allow visitors learn about both the garden’s history and its purpose in the modern world and there will be an opportunity to see behind the scenes.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Jan Haenraets said:

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. Greenbank Garden is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

Walks run at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30 on Thursday August 13, with costs at £5.50 for adults and £4.50 for concessions. While the walk is free for National Trust for Scotland members, a donation to the Gardens Scheme is appreciated.

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/  

HF Holidays whose walkers regularly enjoy the footpaths around the National Trust for Scotland’s property in Glencoe have left more than footprints this summer.

The company has donated £2000 to contribute to the upkeep of the Trust’s upland footpaths, in some of Scotland’s most spectacular and remote mountain ranges.

HF Holidays has a base in North Ballachuilish from which it organises many walks in the Glencoe area. The company likes to contribute to the maintenance of areas that its clients enjoy, so decided to make a generous contribution towards the National Trust for Scotland’s Sole Trading appeal which funds footpath work on mountains across the country.

Scott McCombie, property manager for Glencoe and Dalness, said:

“We are very grateful to HF Holidays and their Pathways fund. It's great to have people putting something back in to the hills that give visitors so much enjoyment.”

The National Trust for Scotland cares for 394 miles of mountain paths. The Trust needs around £80,000 per annum to help maintain these high level paths and prevent the delicate mountain environments from erosion.  

An ambitious project to restore and adapt a group of derelict historic buildings in the heart of old Peterhead will start this summer, following news that a £1.9 million funding package has been secured. Among the major funders are the Heritage Lottery Fund, Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Scotland and SITA Trust.

The project is the first of the Peterhead Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) Priority Projects to commence on site and is being carried out by the National Trust for Scotland’s Little Houses Improvement Scheme.

The revamped buildings on the corner of Threadneedle Street and St Andrew Street will be sold to Tenants First Housing Co-operative and let to Inspire - Partnerships Through Life to provide community care housing for adults with learning disabilities.

Situated right in the heart of Peterhead’s old town, the early nineteenth century houses are within the Peterhead Outstanding Conservation Area. The buildings are significant both as good examples of late eighteenth century residential burgh buildings and for their role in the streetscape, forming a defined edge to the core of the historic centre of Peterhead.

The plan is to restore the traditional facades and create buildings fit for specialist community care housing. The Trust’s project team have been working closely with future residents for over two years in the development of the scheme.

National Trust for Scotland Little Houses Scheme Manager, Sian Loftus said:

“This is a very exciting project that clearly demonstrates everything that the Little Houses Improvement Scheme stands for – making a difference to communities across Scotland. Our work in Peterhead will not only play an important part in taking forward the regeneration of this important historical area of the town, but it will also provide homes of quality and character for the residents.

“We would like to thank the generous supporters who have made this project possible. Without their contributions, work could not begin. We are still looking for some more support to finalise our funding, however. If you are interested in making a donation, or sponsoring this work, please do get in touch.”

Aberdeenshire Council is implementing one of the first Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes in Scotland following the acceptance of funds made available by the Scottish Government through Historic Scotland.

Councillor Anne Allan is a member of the CARS Project Board and said:

“The Peterhead CARS was launched in November 2007 and is targeting financial support to four sites where derelict and vacant property is having a negative effect on the character and quality of the Conservation Area.

“A financial contribution from the CARS supports the conservation and restoration of historic properties but in doing so it assists in realising new uses within derelict and vacant property helping to deliver social, economic and physical regeneration within the historic town centre.

“Aberdeenshire Council is implementing the CARS through its Planning and Environmental Service with direction from a Project Board and welcomes the effort of its partners in this project and the announcement by The National Trust for Scotland that conservation-led redevelopment of these properties is about to start on site.

Alongside the building works will be a programme of education events and activities, aimed at getting people of all ages and abilities involved in heritage. The highlight of the programme will be a drama production by the All Stars drama group from Willowbank Day Centre, where some of the future residents attend.  

Expert ranger staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park made a notable discovery this month – the first ever Ayrshire sighting of a Speckled Wood butterfly.

The butterfly is common throughout much of Europe, but has not been previously recorded on mainland Ayrshire. In Scotland, it is most commonly seen in Argyll.

The Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) is a medium sized, dark brown butterfly with dappled yellow or white markings on its upper wings and it flies between April and September. The males are normally to be seen along woodland edges, resting in sunny spots between short bursts of flight. The females are less active and spend more time nearer the woodland canopy.

The sighting was made by Culzean’s Senior Ranger Deirdre Mackinnon. She said:

“Although I did not know what the butterfly was at the time, I immediately recognised it as something completely different. It was so beautiful in the sunshine - the wing markings shining golden against their almost black background. I hope that he found a mate and that we can look forward to seeing more Speckled Woods at Culzean.”  

Staff and volunteers from the National Trust for Scotland will be carrying out a dusk survey on Wednesday 5 August to check Dumbarton’s Geilston House and its surrounding buildings for roosting bats.

The survey will help prevent any roosts from being disturbed by building work which is planned for the winter months, when the bats will have vacated their roosts.

While the bat species Pipistrelle soprano and Pipistrelle bandit are both known to exist in the grounds, other species may be found during the course of the survey.

It is not currently known how many roosts exist at Geilston. As both bats and their roosts are protected by law, the conservation charity is taking extra care to find out exactly where the roosts are situated so that they can be protected while the vital roof work gets underway.

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

“Bats are a very misunderstood species that really need our help if we are to enjoy watching them fly around our skies at dusk in the future. The Trust is fully committed to their conservation and this work forms part of that commitment.

“Like much of our work, we couldn’t do it without the help of our staff and many volunteers. It is rewarding work and it’s for a good cause because if we know where the bat roosts are, we can ensure we don’t damage them when we need to carry out essential building work.”  

Staff from the National Trust for Scotland will be joined by members of the Lothian Bat Group on Thursday 6 August to check Newhailes in Musselburgh and its surrounding buildings for roosting bats.

With building work essential at many Trust properties, the check forms part of a wider identification programme to make sure future maintenance works do not damage or disturb the dwellings.

While the bat species Pipistrelle soprano and Pipistrelle bandit are known to exist in the grounds, other species may be found during the course of the check.

It is not currently known how many roosts exist at Newhailes. As both bats and their roosts are protected by law, the conservation charity is taking extra care to find out exactly where the roosts are situated so that they can be protected when work does get underway.

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

“Bats are a very misunderstood species that really need our help if we are to enjoy watching them fly around our skies at dusk in the future. The Trust is fully committed to their conservation and this work forms part of that commitment.

“Like much of our work, we couldn’t do it without the help of our staff and many volunteers. It is rewarding work and it’s for a good cause because if we know where the bat roosts are, we can ensure we don’t damage them when we need to carry out essential building work.”  

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s award-winning Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre are celebrating another award this month – this time in recognition of their excellent education programmes.

The Heritage Education Trust recently carried out an assessment of the education programmes offered at Culloden and has rewarded the dedicated team of staff there with its first ever Sandford Award for Heritage Education.

The awards recognise quality and excellence in the educational services and facilities at heritage sites. Judges look at all aspects of educational visits from pre-booking information and administration to facilities, from educational content and curricular relevance to development of new programmes, and, of course, quality of delivery on site.

Since opening to the public in December 2007, Culloden has welcomed thousands of school pupils and young people through its doors, bringing the story of the battle to life for young visitors. Education staff have developed a range of interactive events for younger visitors too. Some of the most popular include The Prince’s Schoolroom which gives pupils the chance to experience an 18th Century education.

Culloden Property Manager Deirdre Smyth said:

“Engaging with young people is absolutely crucial to our work at Culloden. We are very pleased to have achieved the high levels required for the Sandford Award - one of the most prestigious education awards available. We hope that over the coming decades we’ll continue to engage, inspire and inform the many young people who come through our doors, looking to learn more about this significant period in Scotland’s history.”

The award ceremony will take place in November at a venue still to be decided.
Since opening, the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre has been nominated for the following awards:

Museums and Heritage Awards 2008 – Winner – use of technology

Glasgow Institute of Architects – Winner – leisure and retail

British Archaeological Awards – Winner – best archaeological tv/ radio programme

Green Tourism Business Awards – Gold

Scottish Thistle Awards – finalist

Wood Awards – shortlisted

National Business Awards – finalist

International Architecture Awards – shortlisted

Royal Institute of British Architects – shortlisted

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) World Architecture Awards – shortlisted

RIAS) Doolan Awards – shortlisted

VisitScotland – 5 star grading

UK Civic Trust Awards - commendation  

The National Trust for Scotland is readying to celebrate the beauty of some of its most popular, unusual and remote gardens in a series of Garden Days starting in May and continuing into the summer.

The days are organised as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which supports gardens across the country.

Across Scotland, more than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens are getting involved, putting on special events such as ‘ask the gardener’, hosting music ensembles, and taking visitors on a tour of the unusual or interesting features at their gardens.

Leith Hall, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity, is taking part in the scheme on Thursday 6 August. A guided walk will take place around the garden with the Head Gardener, who will tell visitors about the latest developments in the garden and answer any questions they might have. The walk is followed by a relaxing cup of tea and a scone.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Jan Haenraets said:

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. Leith Hall is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

The event runs from 19:00 on Thursday 6 August and meets in the property car park. The walk costs £5, with tea and a scone included in the price. Booking is essential - contact 0844 493 2175.

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/  

Historical re-enactment group the Swords of Dalriada is returning to Brodick Castle, Arran after a successful visit in 2008.

On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August the group will once more assume the role of an invading Viking force, taking residence in a campsite faithful to those the Vikings used when they invaded Arran in the 8th century.

In addition to a historically accurate re-enactment by the group, there will be various stalls and activities based around the lives of the invaders with visitors able to learn about everything from bow-making and arrow-fletching to the ancient craft of falconry.

Viking costumes, combat and cooking will all be on display too. Visitors will also get involved in decorating a traditional Viking long ship, which well then set sail.

The event runs from 11.00 to 16.00 on both Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2009. Ticket price is included in admission cost.

For more information about the Swords of Dalriada, visit www.swordsofdalriada.com/.  

The National Trust for Scotland is readying to celebrate the beauty of some of its most popular, unusual and remote gardens in a series of Garden Days starting in May and continuing into the summer.

The days are organised as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which supports gardens across the country.

Across Scotland, more than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens are getting involved, putting on special events such as ‘ask the gardener’, hosting music ensembles, and taking visitors on a tour of the unusual or interesting features at their gardens.

The Hill House, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity, is taking part in the scheme on Friday 31 July. The Head Gardener will be on hand to answer visitors’ questions about the Victorian kitchen garden, as well as any gardening questions they might have.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Jan Haenraets said:

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. The Hill House is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

The event runs from 13:30 to 17:30 on Friday 31 July. Admission to the garden is free.

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/

 

Acclaimed theatre company The Festival Players will perform an innovative version of The Merchant of Venice in the grounds at Hill of Tarvit, Cupar on 8 August 2009.

The play aims to make Shakespeare clear and accessible, skilfully portraying characters from the cruel moneylender Shylock to the beautiful heiress Portia with an all-male troupe of just six actors.

The production is lavish, featuring rich costumes and original music by Seventies folk-rocker Johnny Coppin.

Michael Dyer, who will both direct and act in the production, said:

“It’s an engaging tale of both comedy and passion and the central theme delivers the most suspense-filled court scene of all the great plays.”

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £8 for under 16s, and can be booked in advance online at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/160/. The play runs from 19:15 to 22:15.

More information about the play is available at www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk.
 

Acclaimed theatre company The Festival Players will perform an innovative version of The Merchant of Venice at Pitmedden Gardens, Ellon on 5 August 2009.

The play aims to make Shakespeare clear and accessible, skilfully portraying characters from the cruel moneylender Shylock to the beautiful heiress Portia with an all-male troupe of just six actors.

The production is lavish, featuring rich costumes and original music by Seventies folk-rocker Johnny Coppin, and will be enhanced by the beautiful gardens.

Michael Dyer, who will both direct and act in the production, said:

“It’s an engaging tale of both comedy and passion and the central theme delivers the most suspense-filled court scene of all the great plays.”

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for under 16s, and can be booked in advance online at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/158/. The play runs from 19.15 to 22.15.

More information about the play is available at www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk.


 

Acclaimed theatre company The Festival Players will perform an innovative version of The Merchant of Venice at Threave Garden, Castle Douglas on 9 August 2009.

The play aims to make Shakespeare clear and accessible, skilfully portraying characters from the cruel moneylender Shylock to the beautiful heiress Portia with an all-male troupe of just six actors.



The production is lavish, featuring rich costumes and original music by Seventies folk-rocker Johnny Coppin, and will be enhanced by the calm beauty of the garden.



Michael Dyer, who will both direct and act in the production, said:



“It’s an engaging tale of both comedy and passion and the central theme delivers the most suspense-filled court scene of all the great plays.”



Tickets cost £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £6 for under 16s, and can be booked in advance online at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/161/. The play runs from 19:15 to 22:15.

More information about the play is available at www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk.
 

Acclaimed theatre company The Festival Players will perform an innovative version of The Merchant of Venice at the House of Dun on 7 August 2009.

The play aims to make Shakespeare clear and accessible, skilfully portraying characters from the cruel moneylender Shylock to the beautiful heiress Portia with an all-male troupe of just six actors.

The production is lavish, featuring rich costumes and original music by Seventies folk-rocker Johnny Coppin, and will be enhanced by the historic environment of the house’s grounds.

Michael Dyer, who will both direct and act in the production, said:

“It’s an engaging tale of both comedy and passion and the central theme delivers the most suspense-filled court scene of all the great plays.”

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £4 for under 16s, and can be booked in advance online at www.nts.org.uk/Events/Ticket-Date/159/. The play runs from 19.15 to 22.15.

More information about the play is available at www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk.  

The results of a competition to win a holiday on a Trust cruise in 2010 have been announced.

Mrs Susan Forsyth from East Kilbride was selected as the winner of the competition which featured recently in the Sunday Post.

She has won a cabin for two on the Spirit of Adventure cruise, departing in May 2010.  

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is calling on supporters of its iconic Highland site, the Culloden Battlefield, to get involved this summer.

The charity is launching a brand new Friends of Culloden Battlefield group to help raise awareness of the property and increase support for its award-winning conservation and education work.

The group will become one of 39 Friends groups and Members Centres established to support properties across the Trust. The groups help to spread the word about properties, organise events to promote them and run fundraising activities too.

The Friends of Culloden Group holds its inaugural gathering at the award-winning Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre on Thursday 20 August at 1830. The group will be joined by author and military historian Professor Christopher Duffy who will deliver a short and entertaining talk.

For more information about the Friends of Culloden Battlefield group, or to get involved, contact Deirdre Smyth on 0844 493 2159.  

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park in Ayrshire are celebrating a significant achievement this month – recognition of 25 years of continuous success in their education work.

The Heritage Education Trust recently carried out its five yearly assessment of the environmental education programmes at Culzean and has awarded the property its sixth Sandford Award for Heritage Education.

Culzean won its first award in 1984 and has consistently been deemed deserving of an award every five years since. Judges look at all aspects of educational visits from pre-booking information and administration to facilities, from educational content and curricular relevance to development of new programmes, and, of course, quality of delivery on site.

In the last five years the Culzean education staff have introduced new programmes on Victorian life (“Schoolroom to Scullery”), World War II, pollution indicators, conservation for biodiversity, growing plants, heritage conservation and have also revised the existing programmes in light of the new Curriculum for Excellence.

All the staff involved in educational visits at Culzean are delighted with the result which recognises all their hard work and dedication.

Culzean’s Property Manager Paul Pomfret said:

“To achieve one Sandford Award is a course for celebration in itself, but to achieve 6 consecutive awards over 25 years shows the long term commitment placed on education. These decades of success are a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

The award ceremony will take place in November at a venue still to be decided.  

Budding builders can get hands-on experience of drystane walling techniques, thanks to a series National Trust for Scotland workshops at Threave Estate, Dumfries and Galloway.

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 events are proving popular. Participants are shown the principles of this traditional craft from a qualified instructor before putting their knowledge to the test with some practical experience.

The next events are scheduled for Wednesday 15 July, 12 August and 16 September and cost £30 for the day.

Judy Baxter, 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.  

Troops of dancers from across Europe are coming together to perform in Fife. Visitors are invited to watch the performances in the stunning grounds of Falkland Palace near Cupar on Sunday 19 July.

Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Falkland Palace is famous for its connections to the Stuart family, and was rumoured to be one of Mary Queen of Scots favourite places to spend time. This Sunday, the palace will be strengthening its European connections once more as it plays host to professional dancers from across the continent.

Visitors can watch the dancers take part in a parade from the historic fountain in the town centre to the beautiful palace where they will be treated to an afternoon of dancing exhibitions on the main lawn.

Bill Lessels, property manager said:

“We’re lucky to host this fantastic event every two years. It is a fabulous opportunity to see hundreds of young people from across Europe perform traditional dances.”

The event runs from 12.30 - 16.30 and costs £10.50 for an adult, £7.50 for concessions and £26 for a family, which includes access to the Palace and garden.  

A plaque was unveiled at Pitmedden Garden near Ellon in honour of the late George Barron, former head gardener at the National Trust for Scotland property on Sunday 12 July.

Mr Barron made an outstanding contribution to Pitmedden Garden during his 30 years as Head Gardener 1948-1978. He was well known for his role as TV gardener on the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden and Jim McColl, gardener and broadcaster, unveiled the plaque to his former friend and side-kick.

Jim said:

“George was probably best known for the six years he worked beside me on the Beechgrove Garden, but his greatest achievement and his life’s work, was laying out this wonderful parterre garden at Pitmedden.”

George’s daughter Aileen Reid was delighted that her father’s contribution to the re-creation of the formal garden had been recognised in this way by the National Trust for Scotland and thanked Susan Burgess, current Head Gardener and Property Manager for organising the celebration.

Aileen said:

“I grew up watching Dad working in the garden and spent many happy hours helping him. He would be immensely proud if he were here today seeing everyone admiring his lifetime’s work.”

Also in attendance were former gardeners Margaret Massie and Gordon McGillivray who worked at Pitmedden, under George.

Susan Burgess, current property manager, said:

“This has been a truly happy event with a lot of laughter and memories shared. It has been a real treat for me listening to stories about gardening with George in the old days at Pitmedden.”

After the unveiling ceremony, guests enjoyed a glass of champagne and a Pitmedden Strawberry Cream Tea in the 17th century garden pavilion overlooking the parterre garden.

Susan added:

“If anyone has any photographs of Pitmedden Garden before the National Trust for Scotland took over in 1952 I would be very interested to see them. Please contact me at the Garden or phone 01651 842 352.”

Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life, Shop & Tearoom

1st May – 30th Sept daily

10am – 5.30pm Last admission 5pm

What’s On at Pitmedden Garden:

Buchaneers Jazz Band - Saturday 18 July, 19.00 – 21.30 - bring a picnic

Merchant of Venice - Wednesday 5 August, 19.15 - bring a picnic

Ranger’s Guided Walk – Wed 12 August, 14.30 – 16.00

Head Gardener’s Guided Walk - Wednesday 12 August, 15.00 – 16.00 Scotland’s Garden Scheme Day – Sunday 23 August, 10.00 – 17.30

The Three Musketeers - Sunday 30 August, 19.00 - bring a picnic
 

The lesser known history of the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun in Montrose came under the spotlight last week, as TV historian Neil Oliver popped by for a visit.

Neil and the BBC were filming for their latest series of ‘A History of Scotland’, which especially focuses on the Jacobites. They dropped in to Dun to find out more about the house’s fascinating history.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“The House of Dun has such a long and fascinating history. It was a great honour to have Neil Oliver and his team here to learn more about the house and its important role in Scottish history from our expert staff and volunteers. We can’t wait to see the final results.”  

A dedicated art lover who spends her days caring for the treasures at the National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House in Aberdeenshire will become art next week, as she takes to the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London.

Fiona Kennedy, Collections Care Assistant at Haddo House has been chosen to be on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square as part of Anthony Gormley’s ‘One and Other’ project. She will take her place on the plinth for one hour between midnight and 01.00 on Wednesday 16 July.

Fiona said:

“When I read they were looking for applicants for it I just felt I had to apply as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, my degree was history of art, now I care for art and this was a chance to be art. I just never dreamt I’d get a place!”

More than 17,000 people from across Britain have applied for the 2,400 one hour slots to be ‘human statues’. The only limitation on what the ‘Plinthers’ can do with their time is that it must be legal and the only limitation on what they can take up is that they can carry it themselves.

Fiona continued:

“At first I thought I might dress up as a pigeon, but I really just want to be myself up there so I am going to try to represent all the different parts of my life, one of which is of course the Trust and Haddo House. Now I’m just working out how to do that so all suggestions are welcome!”

You can get more information about the project and even watch Fiona live on the plinth at the ‘One and Other’ website www.oneandother.co.uk  

A National Trust for Scotland property that could have been closed to the public will stay open for the foreseeable future, conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland announced today.

Barry Mill near Carnoustie in Angus was one of 11 properties being considered for closure as part of the charity’s drive to reduce costs.

Now, thanks to additional support from Angus Council and the Gibson Graham Charitable Trust, the mill – the only remaining operational mill of its type on the Scottish mainland will remain open. There will be no staff redundancies.

National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“Barry Mill is a wonderful property and we are very pleased that we are now in a position to keep it open to the public. It’s an important part of the industrial heritage of Scotland. The Trust is very grateful to Angus Council and the communities and individuals who have pledged support to the mill, helping to secure its future. We hope that people will continue to support Barry Mill and our charity, by visiting our properties, becoming members and volunteers and supporting our appeals. We need everyone’s support to succeed.”

Angus Council’s Convener of Neighbourhood Services Jim Millar said:

“The council welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland to retain this important part of the heritage of Angus. The council has a successful relationship with the Trust at the Camera Obscura in Kirriemuir, and I look forward to building on that work at Barry Mill.”

As part of a programme to reduce costs, the National Trust for Scotland considered making changes to 11 of its properties, including possible closures at some sites. The outcomes for these properties are as follows:

· Arduaine Garden, Argyll: The garden will remain open for one year, to enable an endowment to be raised to cover future running costs.

· Ben Lawers Mountain Centre, Stirling: closed to the public. The Trust plans to demolish the centre and replace with an unmanned facility, more in keeping with the mountain landscape in the future.

· David Livingstone Centre, Lanarkshire: The Trust will continue to manage the centre for the David Livingstone Trust. South Lanarkshire Council has taken over management of the garden.

· Haddo House, Aberdeenshire: The house is open to the public for pre-booked tours and for functions and events.

· Hill of Tarvit mansion house: The mansion house closed to the public on 28 June. The gardens, grounds and Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course remain open to the public.

· Hugh Miller Museum and Birthplace Cottage, Highland: The property remains open to the public from Sunday to Wednesday, 13.00 until 17.00.

· Hutchesons’ Hall, Glasgow: The property is closed to the public.

· Inveresk Lodge Garden, East Lothian: The property will remain open.

· Kellie Castle, Fife: The castle remains open Friday until Tuesday from 13.00 until 17.00.

· Leith Hall mansion house: The house is closed to the public. The garden and grounds remain open.

 

More than 30 of photographer Michael Stirling-Laird’s stunning, over-sized images of the Highland landscape go on show in Edinburgh from Monday 6 July.

Michael’s work is unusual due to the sheer scale of his prints, which can be anywhere up to 44 by 35 inches in size. This gives his photography a high degree of vividness and detail which emphasises the beauty of the Highlands. Prints will be available for sale.

The exhibition runs at the Trust’s Gladstone’s Land gallery on the Royal Mile between 6 July and 12 July. Entry is free.

For more information on Michael and his work, visit www.transformedbylight.com.  

Inverewe Garden, the National Trust for Scotland’s west coast garden, undertook some historic gardening on Tuesday 30 June, when it completed the creation of the most northerly planted grove of Wollemi Pine in the world.

By planting the new trees, the conservation charity is helping to preserve one of the world’s oldest and rarest tree species for generations to come.

The Wollemi Pine hails from Australia and is believed to date back to the time of the dinosaurs. It is extremely rare - there are fewer than 100 trees in the wild.

Eight Wollemi Pines have been planted at Inverewe – the final went into the ground today when BBC’s Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl dropped in to the garden.



Property Manager Roy Dowsett said:



“Inverewe is honoured to be playing such an important part in preserving this ancient species. The garden is famous for its exotic plants, but the Wollemi Pine is something else. The scale alone tells you that you are dealing with a plant that originated in the Jurassic period. Our tallest specimen stands at 7 feet, but they can grow to a mighty sixty metres and live for more than 1000 years.

“We are very grateful to the generous supporters who have enabled us to bring this ancient and fascinating species to its most northerly location in the world.”  

One of Scotland’s rarest birds, the black grouse, is winning further support for its survival through a newly formed alliance of Deeside estates.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge Estate, along with the Balmoral and Glen Tanar Estates aims to collaboratively monitor black grouse populations at their territorial lek sites in mid and upper Deeside.

It is hoped that information gathered can be used to enhance the species’ recovery. This, along with adopting changes in estate management practices, will give the birds the best chance of recovery. It is also hoped that this lead will be taken up by further adjoining estates in the Deeside catchment.

Dr Shaila Rao, the National Trust for Scotland Ecologist at Mar Lodge, said: “The data from the monitoring will be collated to assess black grouse numbers on a regional level. This will then allow us to compare trends between other regions.

“Currently there are Speyside and Tayside Black Grouse Study Groups, so the addition of one on Deeside will give important additional research information - it is an exercise in getting all the estates committed to counting all their black grouse.”

Black grouse are declining in the UK and have been doing so - albeit with some temporary increases - since the early 1900s. Scotland has taken much of the brunt of this decline, especially in the Borders.

At one point, black grouse could be found in just about every county in the UK, but the species can now only be found in four counties in England, North Wales and Scotland. They are now one of the UK’s most threatened birds.

At a recent meeting, convened to harness the support of participating estate mangers for the Deeside group, Desmond Dugan from the RSPB and a founder member of the Speyside Black Grouse Study Group said:

"These magnificent birds personify our Highland landscape. Their evocative crooning and bubbling has been so familiar to generations of keepers, stalkers and land managers.

”Only collective efforts and wise management of our upland margins by land managers will ensure that black grouse spring displays will be enjoyed by generations to come.

“The formation of the Deeside Black Grouse Group is a great initiative and a sound investment for the future.”

Dr Rao went on to say:

“The Deeside Black Grouse Study Group intends to have two meetings a year, one to discuss that year’s study data and another as a field meeting to look at black grouse management and habitat or to do some ‘cold searching’ for leks.

“So, with the current run of fine dry weather, we are hopeful of a successful breeding season this year - it has been the wet periods through May and June in the past two breeding seasons that have had such a telling effect on the birds’ mortality.”  

An exhibition featuring the films, photos and music inspired by the Scottish landscape and created by the Scottish public premieres at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 24 June.

The unique pieces have been submitted as part of the PlaceBook Scotland project – an initiative designed to encourage Scotland’s people to celebrate what gives them their sense of place about the nation’s landscape, be it city streetscapes or mountain vistas.

The project brings together a number of organisations who care about Scotland’s landscapes and environment, including the Scottish Government, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Since its launch 7 months ago, more than 800 members of the public have signed up for the site at www.placebookscotland.com and submitted art, images, words and music which sums up their feelings about Scotland, its landscape and their sense of place.

Now, an exhibition featuring film, artwork, music and poetry is set to start touring Scotland. The collection is unveiled at a special event at the Scottish Parliament tonight and will be on tour at National Trust for Scotland and other venues throughout Scotland over the coming months.

Highlights of the exhibition include a dramatic video taken onboard the Seven Navica crossing the North Sea in a force 10 gale, beautiful pictures of fishing nets at Cruden Bay in Fife and poems inspired by Kilmarnock, Bridgeton and Tentsmuir.

Andrew Welsh MSP for Angus, who is hosting the parliamentary event said:

"This excellent initiative brings Scottish places and people to the forefront in positively sharing memories and highlighting the beauty of our homeland.

“I congratulate everyone involved in this timely, Year of Homecoming project.”

Irene Watson, project co-ordinator and who is based with the National Trust for Scotland, said:

“We have been so inspired by the quality and creativity of the contributions through PlaceBook Scotland. Scotland’s landscape has been the muse of many a piece of art over the ages. In this Year of Homecoming, it’s worth remembering that Burns was greatly influenced by his sense of place and many of his writings reflect the sights, sounds and sense of his surroundings.

“The exhibition is designed to bring these wonderful works of art out from the digital world, into the real world, so that we can encourage more people to think about Scotland, what it means to us and how it inspires us every day.”

John Thomson, Director of Strategy and Communications at Scottish Natural Heritage, said:

“PlaceBook has demonstrated just how strongly people respond to their surroundings, emotionally and imaginatively. It has shown, too, how deeply individual identity is often rooted in a sense of place. We hope that this project will not only draw attention to the inspiration that Scotland's wealth of fine landscapes provides but will also strengthen the nation's resolve to look after them as a truly priceless asset.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland has learned with the deepest sadness of the death of June, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair. She passed away at Haddo on Monday 22 June, aged 95, following a long illness.

Lady Aberdeen lived in Haddo House since 1946, along with her husband David Gordon, 4th Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair. She continued to reside in the South Wing after her husband’s death in 1974 and the house passed into the Trust’s ownership.

A trained musician and conductor, she was a graduate of the Royal College of Music. Along with her husband, Lady Aberdeen founded the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society in 1945, which she directed personally for many years. The society still performs today and is just one of the lasting legacies she leaves. Indeed, due to Lady Aberdeen’s skill, drive and enthusiasm for the arts, Haddo’s reputation as an artistic centre in Aberdeenshire and beyond is well-known.

After her husband’s death, the Trust enjoyed a positive relationship with Lady Aberdeen who continued to take an active interest in the house, and did the flower arranging for many years.

The Trust sends its sincere condolences to Lady Aberdeen’s family. She is survived by four children.

Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course. Haddo House will remain closed until the funeral has taken place.  

A team of more than 20 traditionally-skilled stonemasons are hard at work crafting crucial stone pieces that will eventually adorn the National Trust for Scotland’s refurbished Craigievar Castle near Alford.

Craigievar Castle is currently undergoing a major repairs project to correct structural damage and replace the castle’s cement harling with a breathable traditional lime coating. The replacement harling is in place and awaiting a fresh coat of limewash.

Now, 23 expert stonemasons from Laing Traditional Masonry Limited are hard at work crafting brand new water spouts and cannons for the castle. Many of the original spouts were lost or damaged decades ago.

Conservation staff at the Trust decided that it was important to restore the spouts, and commissioned the Aberdeenshire firm to craft the new pieces.

The designs for the stonework were created by illustrator John Borland, who has worked closely with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) on previous projects. John examined the surviving cannons and developed brand new patterns which are sympathetic to the look of the castle.

National Trust for Scotland Lead Surveyor Ian Davidson is leading the project on Craigievar Castle. He said:

“The work to create these important pieces of stonework for Craigievar Castle is a once in a century opportunity. We do not know exactly how they looked, but through careful research, we feel confident that the new pieces will add a great deal to the look of the castle.

“We thought it was important to create something new, rather than attempt to recreate the past. These are the types of judgements that need to be made continuously during a conservation project of this scale.

“The team at Laings are our main contractors on this project and we are pleased to play our part in protecting and preserving the traditional building and masonry skills for which they are so well-known, as we protect and preserve one of Scotland’s best loved castle for generations to come.”

Steven Laing, Managing Director at Laings Traditional Masonry said:

“The team are thoroughly enjoying this latest piece of the project. Each mason has the chance to make their mark on a stone that will survive for centuries and that will be enjoyed by future generations. It is a great honour to be taking on an important role in restoring one of Scotland’s most prestigious castles to its former glory.“  

An inspiring and energetic volunteer, devoted to bringing the National Trust for Scotland’s Pollok House to life for visitors, has been honoured with a top UK volunteering award.

Beth Talbot (24), from Cambridge has won the overall award at the British Museum and Marsh Trust Award for Museum Learning. She also took the regional award for Scotland. The exciting new award recognises best practice and the innovative ways in which volunteers work in museums and galleries to engage the public with collections.

Nominees were judged on three main criteria:

Making a difference to their museum
Improving the museum experience for visitors
Positive feedback from museum visitors and staff
Beth, who has been volunteering at Pollok House in Glasgow’s Southside for eight months, amply demonstrated all of these qualities, impressing judges with her creativity and enthusiasm. She attended the award ceremony at the British Museum on Thursday 18 June.

Alison Burke, Learning Officer with the National Trust for Scotland said:

“Beth’s contribution to the National Trust for Scotland is huge. She throws herself wholeheartedly into everything that she does and the response from the public is fantastic. Beth has been my right hand in delivering our programme of learning at Pollok and has played many roles as part of that – from Alice in Wonderland, to Tilly the Housemaid and even the Ice Queen. Beth brings such grace, intelligence and style to her work with us. She is a huge asset to our charity and we are very pleased that her efforts have been recognised at a UK level.”

Beth studied History of Art at the University of Glasgow and graduated with Honours in June 2008. Her studies inspired a desire to work in heritage education specifically in Scotland. Since starting as a volunteer at Pollok in September 2008, she has worked full time (often including weekends), learning how to deliver a wide range of events.

Beth Talbot said:

“My friend recommended that I should come to Pollok House to work with Alison. She told me that I would learn about what working in the heritage field was really like and gain valuable experience, whilst working in the most beautiful venue.

“My experience has been dynamic and innovative. I feel that I have been at the cutting edge of education and incredibly lucky to have been part of the development and delivery of the new learning programme.”  

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, is delighted to play host to the Borders Book Festival for the third year running.

The literary event takes place at Harmony Garden in Melrose between 18 and 21 June, with renowned authors, including Michael Palin, set to take part in events.

In between author events, visitors will enjoy the sights and smells of the charming walled garden, set against the backdrop of a beautiful Georgian house.

For more information, visit www.bordersbookfestival.org
Robert Smail’s, the Trust’s fully operational Victorian Printing Works in Innerleithen, will also be at the festival, running children’s workshops showing children how to make a mini notebook using the traditional crafts of letterpress printing and bookbinding.
 

Children interested in learning more about the historic events at the Battle of Bannockburn will enjoy free entry at the National Trust for Scotland site on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June.

The offer will run in the weekend before the battle’s 695th anniversary which takes place on 23 and 24 June.

Over the weekend, young visitors will learn more about the significance of the bloody battle where Robert the Bruce’s men defeated the English army, against the odds.

On Saturday, living historians will give a fascinating insight into the weaponry and armour used in battle. Leading medieval historian Dr Chris Brown will present a talk on the history of the battle at 15.00.

Property Manager Scott McMaster said:

“Bannockburn is the most significant event in the history of our nation. Our events over the coming weekend are designed to educate and entertain whilst telling the story of the historical importance of the battle that took place so many centuries ago.”

Bannockburn Heritage Centre is open daily from 10.00 until 17.30.  

One of Shakespeare’s most magical works – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – will be brought to life for visitors in the wonderful gardens at the National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle near Banchory on Thursday 25 June.

The fantastic production by the Illyria Theatre Company will capitalise on the enchanting setting in the gardens which are famed for their roses. Puck and others will play out their dramas against the backdrop of the castle.

Bring your own seating, rugs and picnic and enjoy the informality of the Shakespeare classic at this open air performance.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children. Call 0844 493 2161 for more information and to book tickets.
 

Enjoy a Father’s Day with a difference at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle in Forres on Sunday 21 June.

The 16th century castle which was the home of the Brodie family for centuries, is hosting a fantastic family fun day during the Forres Scottish Week.

There will be traditional Scottish events, including country dancing and a mini Highland Games, incorporating events including Haggis Hurling, Welly Throwing, Tossing the Caber and Tug-o-war.

Property Manager Alexandra Mackenzie-Copp said:

“We are gearing up for a fabulous time. The family fun day will give families the chance to try their hand at all sorts of fun events, in the glorious grounds here at the castle. Brodie is famous for our fine art indoors and our daffodils outdoors, and we are looking forward to expanding our reputation in the field of welly throwing.“

The event runs from 13.00 until 16.00 and entry costs £2 for adults and is free for children.

Brodie Castle is open Sunday until Wednesday from 10.30 until 16.30, until 30 June and daily from 1 July until 31 August.  

The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating the beauty of some of its most popular, unusual and remote gardens in a series of Garden Days this summer.

The days are organised as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which supports gardens across the country.

Across Scotland, more than 30 National Trust for Scotland gardens are getting involved, putting on special events such as ‘ask the gardener’, hosting music ensembles, and taking visitors on a tour of the unusual or interesting features at their gardens.

Culross Place, which is owned and cared for by the conservation charity, is taking part in the scheme on Wednesday 17 June. Visitors can explore the herbs, vegetables and fruit trees that are exactly as they would have been in the early 17th Century, complete with resident Scots Dumpy hens.

Head of Gardens at the National Trust for Scotland, Jan Haenraets said:

“The Trust manages some of Scotland’s most stunning gardens, with beautiful plant collections and fascinating histories and all are expertly managed by our dedicated gardeners. Culross Palace is involved in the Gardens Days, giving visitors the opportunity to get behind the scenes, learn more about the history of our gardens and what goes into maintaining them.”

For more information on the Trust gardens taking part in Gardens Days, visit www.nts.org.uk/
 

One of Lochaber’s talented local artists has found the perfect exhibition spot for her dramatic paintings of Glencoe, at the National Trust for Scotland’s Glencoe Visitor Centre.

Caroline Cooke, who hails from Glencoe village, has produced a series of paintings inspired by the stunning scenery of the West Coast of Scotland. The works are on show until the 30 June at the award-winning visitor centre, adding to the exciting exhibition, which tells visitors about the fascinating natural and cultural history of this stunning area in Scotland.

Now, visitors can take home a unique artwork as a souvenir too.

Property Manager Scott McCombie said:

“We are very lucky to have such a high quality exhibition space right here in the heart of Glencoe. We are delighted to host a local artist like Caroline, who is based right here in Glencoe and is so inspired by the local scenery, including the stunning coastlines of the West Coast. ”

The Caroline Cooke exhibition runs until 30 June.

The Glencoe Visitor Centre is open daily from 9.30 am until 5.30 pm  

A team of conservation experts will visit the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodick Castle on Arran in search of bats on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 June.

Rangers and volunteers will search the castle’s attic for a roost of brown long-eared bats which are known to reside there. The conservation charity is checking on the location of the bats before important fire prevention work can be carried out at the 800 year old castle.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Adviser at the Trust said:

“Bats and their roosts are legally protected so we need to be very sure we know exactly where the bats are before any work can commence. We hope to conserve the bats and make the castle safer from fire risk at the same time. It will also be interesting to see how the population is faring. Bats did seem to be in decline for a few years, but we are seeing some signs of recovery.”

The team will also carry out wildflower monitoring in Brodick Castle and Country Park’s Merkland Wood. It is hoped that native wildflower species will be re-established in the wood following extensive clearance of Rhododendron ponticum which has taken place over the last few years.

Rhododendron is an invasive non-native species which spreads so successfully that it crowds out native plant species making plants like violets, wood sorrel and bugle increasingly rare sights in many of Scotland’s western woodlands, where Rhododendron is at its worst. Conservation staff from the charity are hoping to see signs that once common woodland plants are taking hold in the woodland once again.

National Trust for Scotland senior ranger Kate Sampson said:

“We have invested a great deal of time and money in ‘rhodie bashing’ at Brodick, trying to reclaim large areas from the rhododendron which just spreads and spreads. We are very much hoping to see some of our native wildflowers breaking through the forest floor again. These are species which are not just important in their own right, but also act as a food source for the bumblebees and other insects. Hopefully by restoring the wild plants in Merkland Wood, we will enrich the habitat for a whole range of native insects and other animals.”

Brodick Castle and Country Park is one of Scotland’s foremost destinations for plant, bird and animal life. The ranger team runs a series of events for all ages designed to encourage visitors to explore the wonderful nature of Arran. Forthcoming events include:

Summer Wildflowers
Thu 9 July 2009, 14.00 – 15.30
A walk around woodlands and wildflower meadows to learn more about our native wildflowers. What’s that flower? Want to know more about the properties of yellow rattle? Join the rangers on this walk to discover some more about our native wildflowers and even how to create your own wildflower meadow back home. Free with entrance, meet Brodick Castle Reception Centre.

Seals and Shore
Thu 16 July, 14.00 – 15.30
Come with us to see the Kildonan seals at close quarters and find out about the creatures of the seashore along the way. Easy walking. Meet at Kildonan Village Hall

Wildlife Detectives
Thu 30 July, 14.00 – 15.30
Discover the secret world of the naturalist. Who did that? Was it a red squirrel or a field vole? A closer look at tracks and trails and other signs of wildlife around Brodick Country Park. Suitable for 7-11 years olds.

For more information and booking, contact 0844 493 2154.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park is celebrating success as a top-quality visitor attraction today.

The dramatic cliffside castle, which is widely regarded as Robert Adam’s greatest masterpiece, and its extensive country park have been confirmed again as a five star tourist attraction by Visit Scotland.

Culzean was first awarded the five star rating in 2005 and has undergone assessments every two years since then. The latest evaluation took place in May 2009.

The property has already welcomed more than 60,000 visitors since March this year.

Culzean Castle and Country Park is one of Ayrshire’s most popular visitor attractions. The castle boasts stunning interiors, including the impressive Oval Staircase and Round Drawing Room, and a fine collection of furniture and artworks and brings the grandeur of the Georgian period to life for visitors. It is also home to a wonderful Armoury display, complete with flintlock pistols and swords, which is the second largest collection of its type in existence.

The wider country park has over 20 miles of paths and tracks, guiding visitors through the wonderful woodland, designed landscapes and gardens, to the Deer Park, the Swan pond and 5 kilometres of coastline with fascinating rock pools and clean bathing beaches. In addition, the park has its own award-winning ranger service which runs an exciting and varied programme of events for visitors throughout the summer.

The property is one of a handful of Scottish castles to attain the coveted five star award.

Property Manager Paul Pomfret said:

“Culzean Castle and Country Park is a fantastic destination for visitors from near and far and we are pleased to have that confirmed again by Visit Scotland. We are lucky to care for some of the most wonderful interiors, artworks, gardens and woodlands in Scotland and we know that visitors get a great deal out of trip here.

“The dedicated team of staff and volunteers work very hard to ensure that our visitors have the best possible experience and it is great to have that recognised.”

Culzean Castle and Country Park is hosting Celebrate Ayrshire on Sunday 14 June. In keeping with the Burns theme of the Homecoming year, visitors will have the chance to meet Ayrshire poet, Robert Burns in the flesh as he mingles with the crowd and shares some stanzas of his best known works.

More contemporary poetry will be provided by the talented Makar Press Poets, who will offer lively recitals of their latest pieces.

Another theme of the day, again with a Burns connection, is farming. Milking displays featuring an Ayrshire cow, Ayrshire tractors and Ayrshire produce will all feature in this fantastic family day out.

Celebrate Ayrshire takes place at Culzean Castle and Country Park on Sunday 14 June, from 11.00 until 16.00.

Some other event highlights include:

· Vintage Military vehicles, the land army and Robbie the Clydesdale horse

· Robert Watson M.A. B.D. (historian and writer) will be giving a talk on the Scottish Covenanters and playing his short film on the subject.

· Local food on sale including delicious Ayrshire Farmhouse Ice-cream

· Ayrshire artists demonstrating

· Live music from the Maybole Pipe Band and Johnstone Silver Band

· Come and Try Archery with the British Longbow Society
 

The first ever excavations of an Iron Age site at the National Trust for Scotland’s St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve in Berwickshire will take place next week (13 – 20 June).

A team of volunteers, under the expert guidance of archaeologists from the conservation charity, will help survey the remains of the hilltop settlement which may date from as early as 500BC.

The ten volunteers who are taking part in one of the Trust’s hugely popular Thistle Camp volunteer holidays, range in age from their early 20s to 80 and have no previous archaeological experience.

Throughout the week, they will work with professional archaeologists to survey the Blackpotts site, excavating a number of points, to see how well the Iron Age evidence has survived. We will also be producing a detailed survey of the earthworks. The volunteers will get involved in digging, recording finds and using electronic survey equipment. They will also assist in putting up a fence to protect the site from further erosion from rabbits and sheep.

Dr Daniel Rhodes, archaeologist with the National Trust for Scotland, will be leading the team. He said:

“This will be the first time any archaeological excavation has taken place at Blackpotts. As one of a number of such settlements in the region it’s a fantastic opportunity to begin to understand more about the way people in the past interacted with this spectacular environment, while at the same time actively protecting a piece of our prehistory.”

Thistle Camps offer dedicated volunteers the chance to get hands on conservation experience in some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote locations. This is the first year that the St Abb’s archaeology camp has run.

Jon Downie, the Trust’s Outdoor Action Co-ordinator said:

“Thistle Camps are always really popular, but even we were surprised with the speed with which this year’s places were snapped up. Archaeology camps are great and give volunteers the chance to really get involved with history.”

St Abb's Head on the south-eastern Scottish coast is a landmark site for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. This National Nature Reserve is home to thousands of guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills; and to hundreds of shags, fulmars and herring gulls.  

One of East Linton’s most popular and picturesque visitor attractions is looking for keen volunteers to bring its story to life for visitors and help protect and preserve it for future generations.

Preston Mill, which has been owned and cared for by conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland since 1950, is peacefully situated in beautiful East Lothian countryside. Popular with artists for its unusual and pretty appearance, the mill boasts an operational water wheel.

Now, the property is seeking volunteers from the local community to get involved by giving guided tours and providing support in the shop.

Volunteering with the Trust is a great way of learning new things, meeting new people and supporting the charity’s vital conservation work to protect and preserve some of Scotland’s treasures – particularly important as Preston Mill has recently suffered from vandalism.

New recruits will join an existing friendly team of staff and dedicated volunteers.

Property Manager Karen Caldwell said:

“Preston Mill is a fascinating site, where the history of milling is really brought to life. I am sure there are keen local historians who would make excellent guides at the mill, helping to visitors to understand more about the mill, its workings and its importance in a place like East Linton. We are very keen to get the local community involved with the mill, and play their part in protecting and promoting their local heritage.”

Karen Caldwell is also calling for the local community to keep an eye out for the property which has recently suffered from vandalism. The visitor centre has been broken into, a picnic table destroyed and distinctive pantiles have been removed from the roof, amongst other things.

Karen continued:

“Sadly, there have been a few recent incidents which suggest not everyone has takes the pride in Preston Mill that it deserves. It truly is a local treasure.”

Anyone with any information on the incidents, which occurred on the evening of Good Friday and more recently between 27 and 31 May, is asked to contact local police.

For more information on volunteering opportunities, contact Karen Caldwell on 0131 653 5590.  

The stunning gardens at the National Trust for Scotland’s Leith Hall in Aberdeenshire have some interesting additions this summer, as a series of sculptures have been installed.

Now in its third year, the Gallery in the Garden exhibition, which runs until the end of August, brings innovative sculpture created by artists including Lindsay Boyd, Christina McBride and Michael Stumpf to the garden at Leith Hall.

This year’s collection is called A Garden’s Tale and one of its most unusual pieces is The Listener, an interactive installation which visitors sit inside.

The exhibition was created with the assistance of the Scottish Sculpture Workshop (SSW) in Lumsden, who have been an essential element in the development of the Gallery in the Garden 2009, helping the conservation charity to secure Scottish Arts Council and Aberdeenshire Council funding to help finance the exhibits and some of the running costs involved in the event. It is intended that the event will help raise the profile of the SSW and increase public awareness of their work.

Head Gardener Toby Loveday said:

“We are very excited to host such an innovative and involving exhibition at Leith Hall garden. The event runs all summer long, so we hope that the unusual and interesting installations encourage visitors to pop in and see what’s going on.

“There is lots going on at Leith Hall garden this summer – why not come along on one of our regular guided walks round the garden and get some gardening tips at the same time?

“The start of summer is an exciting time for gardeners and there are lots of bright blooms bursting into life.”

Leith Hall garden is open daily from 09.00 until sunset. Admission costs £3 for adults, all others are free. Entry is free for members of the National Trust for Scotland.  

Scores of children had fun dressing up in period costume at the National Trust for Scotland’s Pitmedden Garden in Ellon on Saturday 6 June.

The event was designed to raise awareness for the fabulous forthcoming event, Dressing the Victorian Lady. The fashion show which will transport visitors back to Victorian times takes place in the Walled Garden on Wednesday 17 June from 18.00 until 21.00.

Costume designer Diana McNamara who has made all the dresses for forthcoming event said:

"It's wonderful to see children having such fun dressing up and experimenting with different costumes and fabrics. The Fashion Show on Wednesday will be an opportunity to see the complexities that went into dressing a lady in Victorian times from petticoats and crinolines to fabulous dresses and parasols."

Property Manager/Head Gardener Susan Burgess said:
"The formal garden is the perfect backdrop for this event. There will be 8 models taking part, all dressed in Victorian costume with make-up and hairstyles to match. This is a new and exciting event at Pitmedden Garden which has already aroused a lot of interest.”
Tickets are £15 each which also includes a special afternoon tea. Booking essential - phone 0844 493 2177 for details.
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland has today confirmed that the Hill of Tarvit Mansion House will close to the public on Sunday 28 June.

Visitors will still be free to enjoy the gardens and grounds which will be open daily, along with the Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course.

Kellie Castle, near Pittenweem will be open to the public from Friday until Tuesday from 13.00 until 17.00 – a change from the advertised opening hours. The charity recently announced that the castle, which was being considered for possible closure, would remain open for the foreseeable future.

National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“We are disappointed that we have been unable to resolve the significant financial shortfalls at the Hill of Tarvit Mansion House and that it is having to close for now. The Trust is continuing to search for a long term solution and we are exploring avenues for alternative uses that are appropriate for a heritage property of this type. The public and members of the National Trust for Scotland will continue to be free to enjoy the glorious gardens and grounds, and of course, the wonderful Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course.”

Hill of Tarvit Mansion House is open daily from 13.00 until 17.00 until 28 June.

For more information about the hickory golf course, and to make bookings, visit www.kingarrock.com.  

A group of students from France are gaining invaluable gardening experience at the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun, Montrose.

The six trainee gardeners are studying at the Saint Germain en Laye School of Horticulture near Paris. As part of their two year course, they have to spend time in an English speaking country.

The international students will gain hands on experience in the glorious gardens and grounds at the House of Dun estate. Under the expert eye of Head Gardener Russell Shanks, they will get involved in a wide-range of gardening and maintenance work during the next four weeks.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“We are very pleased to help these creative young people further develop their skills. The House of Dun estate is a wonderful place to learn more about a diverse range of landscapes – from the formal gardens to our wilder woodland areas.

“Under Russell’s expert tuition they will find out just how much hard work goes into maintaining our extensive grounds and play an important part in making sure the House of Dun is looking as good as possible in its 20th anniversary year.”  

Dedicated volunteers from National Trust for Scotland’s Thomas Carlyle Birthplace in Ecclefechan are getting involved in the silver anniversary celebrations of Volunteers’ Week on Friday 5 June.

Violet Dalton, the National Trust for Scotland’s Head of Volunteering will be dropping in at the property to say thank you to the enthusiastic and energetic volunteers who make such an important contribution at the home where the 18th century author was born and spent his early years.

Property Manager Dan Watson said:

“Carlyle's Birthplace has been open to the public since 1881, soon after the death of Thomas Carlyle. It came into the possession of the National Trust for Scotland in 1936. We still hold all the past copies of visitor books, so the modern day visitor can see who was in their position exactly one hundred years ago. Hopefully, one hundred years from now, the same will apply.

“Along with many Trust properties, we rely on volunteers to keep these unique places open for people to enjoy. Our small volunteer team does a great job, meeting visitors and helping them to understand the importance of what they see around them in this small museum. We always need a flow of new volunteers to do this, so if you think you might be able to help, or would like more information, please get in touch.”

Volunteers will also learn more about the charity’s new Volunteer of the Year award. Launched on 1 June 2009, staff and volunteers will be asked to nominate volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the Trust. The winners will be announced in September at a volunteer event in the charity’s offices in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.

Head of Volunteering, Violet Dalton said:

“Volunteers are vital to the National Trust for Scotland. We are so grateful for the time, expertise and dedication that every volunteer brings to our charity. Every individual makes such a difference in protecting and preserving Scotland’s heritage for future generations.

“Just look at the team here at Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace – they really bring the story of this wonderful place to life for our visitors and make the experience of visiting here all the richer. There are thousands of other volunteers doing the same all over Scotland.

“I would absolutely encourage everyone to try their hand at volunteering for the Trust. You will spend time in some of the most beautiful places in Scotland, get to know some really interesting people and contribute to preserving our heritage for our children’s children.”

Anyone interested in volunteering at Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace should contact Dan Watson on 01683 222714 or dwatson@nts.org.uk.  

The excellent education work carried out at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park in Ayrshire has received recognition from local school pupils.

Every year around 12,000 school children visit the fabulous castle and extensive grounds on formal educational visits. Now Cumnock Academy pupils have singled the charity’s largest property out for praise for its education work with young people.

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce run a Determined to Succeed scheme encouraging links between schools in East Ayrshire and local businesses. Schools were asked to nominate a local business to which they had a connection and which they thought deserved recognition. Cumnock Academy nominated the National Trust for Scotland for Culzean’s “engagement with education during session 2008/09”.

Pupils from Cumnock Academy have visited Culzean for many years particularly to study the ecology of the woodland and the shoreline. Pupils always report that their visits are both educational and enjoyable.

Property Manager, Paul Pomfret said:

“We are all delighted to see the hard work of the ranger service and education staff at Culzean receive recognition, especially as the nomination came from the school and the children involved.”

Deirdre Mackinnon, Senior Ranger at Culzean, accepted the certificate from two fourth year pupils, Stephanie Bell on the right and Kim Milligan on the left, during their class visit on Tuesday 2 June.  

Inverurie Academy pupils will be getting their creative heads on for a visit to Leith Hall Garden, this Wednesday, 3 June. As part of “Gallery in the Garden” - a partnership project between The National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Sculpture Workshop - the pupils will be learning about responding to specific sites using art.

Two of the contributing artists, Michael Stumpf and Lindsay Boyd, will give illustrated talks to the third year pupils about their careers and the creative process for developing their artwork which was inspired by the stories from Leith Hall. Later in the day pupils will then view the artwork before commencing work on their own ideas.

Sandra Morrison, Group Learning Manager for the National Trust for Scotland said:

“The Learning Services Department of the National Trust for Scotland is delighted to be part of this initiative. Here we have a magnificent opportunity to let our young people experience historic sites in a very creative way. Meeting the artists, hearing how they develop their thoughts and ideas to produce pieces of sculpture in response to a specific heritage site is a very valuable means of connecting the old with the new.”

Six new artworks have been installed for the Gallery in the Garden, which runs until the end of August. Contributing artists are: Lindsay Boyd, Fergus Connor, Kelly Connor, Charles Engebretsen, Christina McBride, Jason Nelson and Michael Stumpf.  

30 June – 5 July: Craig Jefferson BA(HONS) - Landscape and figure studies using a variety of materials to capture the mood and beauty of his subject

7 July – 12 July: Michael Stirling-Aird - Large format landscape photography of Scotland

14 July – 19 July: Zanna Wilson and Kari de Koenigswarter – Landscapes in watercolour, inks and oil and beeswax paintings

21 July – 26 July: ‘Three Scottish Photographers’ - Scottish landscapes and townscapes as well as wildlife images by Ed Fielding, Paul Johnston and Hamish King

28 July – 2 August: ‘Art 309’ - Fifty works in oil, watercolour, pastels acrylic and mixed media, covering a wide range of subject matter

4 August – 9 August: ‘Vera Coghill's Edinburgh: Its people and the unique flavour of the place’ – paintings ranging from portraits and places to more abstract interpretations

11 August – 16 August: ‘East Meets West – Indian Art Exhibition’ - traditional folk art and contemporary sculpture by Indian artists

18 August – 23 August: Craig Jefferson BA(HONS) - Landscape and Figure studies using a variety of materials to capture the mood and beauty of his subject

25 August – 30 August: ‘Homecoming & the Sea’ paintings by Mike Turpie & Roberta MacRae - Colourful paintings working the themes of migration, homecoming and the sea

1st September – 6 September: ‘Vera Coghill's Edinburgh: Its people and the unique flavour of the place’ – paintings ranging from portraits and places to more abstract interpretations

Please contact the Property Manager at Gladstone’s Land (fmurray@nts.org.uk) if you are interested in hiring the Gladstone Gallery for winter exhibitions from November 2009 – March 2010.
 

The National Trust for Scotland's Chief Executive Kate Mavor kicked off National Volunteers Week with a spot of volunteering at the conservation charity's Falkland Palace in Fife today (1 June).

Kate joined a team of dedicated staff and volunteers at the historic property which was a favourite holiday retreat of Mary Queen of Scots, to assist with an educational visit from school children from Timmergreens Primary, at Arbroath, as National Volunteers' Week gets underway. She took the opportunity to thank the property's volunteers who make a massive contribution, guiding visitors, assisting with events and keeping the place in tip top condition.

As a charity, the Trust is dependent on the support of thousands of volunteers to help carry out its vital work to protect and preserve Scotland's heritage. More than 3000 volunteers dedicate precious time and expertise to a diverse range of activities from acting as guides at beautiful historic homes, to building drystane dykes, to counting seabirds on remote islands.

While at Falkland, Kate launched the charity's Volunteer of the Year award. New for 2009, staff and volunteers will be asked to nominate volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the Trust. The winners will be announced in September at a volunteer event in the charity's offices in Charlotte Square .

Kate Mavor said:

"Volunteers are vital to the National Trust for Scotland. We are so grateful for the time, expertise and dedication that every volunteer brings to the charity. Every individual makes such a difference to protecting and preserving Scotland's heritage.

"Just look at the team here at Falkland - they really bring the story of this wonderful place to life for our visitors and make the experience of coming to Falkland all the richer. There are thousands of other volunteers doing the same all over Scotland.

"I would absolutely encourage everyone to try their hand at volunteering for the Trust. You get to spend time in some of the most beautiful places in Scotland, with some of the best people and contribute so much to our heritage."

For more information on the wide range of volunteering opportunities available now, visit www.nts.org.uk/volunteering.
 

Dedicated volunteers from the Volunteer Centre Angus are starting off the silver anniversary celebrations of Volunteers' Week at the National Trust for Scotland's House of Dun, near Montrose on Monday 1 June.

The volunteers will get to work in the grounds of the beautiful estate, clearing sycamore trees that are growing where they should not.

The Volunteer Centre Angus has generously chosen the National Trust for Scotland's House of Dun as its charity of the year. The centre will support the house in a number of ways, providing volunteers groups to carry out vital conservation work and helping to raise funds for the house. Funds raised by renting out meeting rooms at the Volunteer Centre's Arbroath base will also go towards the house.

The partnership between the Volunteer Centre Angus and House of Dun marks the Georgian house's 20th year as an Angus visitor attraction too.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

"As a conservation charity, we depend greatly on the support of volunteers and donors, and we are very pleased to have been selected as the Volunteer Centre Angus' charity of the year.

"It is very fitting that a team of volunteers are starting off the 25th annual Volunteers' Week at the House of Dun, where we are also celebrating a significant anniversary this year. For 20 years, our doors have been open to the public, giving them a fantastic insight into Georgian life."

Gary Malone, of the Volunteer Centre, Angus, said:

'This is a brilliant partnership arrangement opening the door of volunteering and bringing many benefits to the community now and for years to come.'

'The National Trust for Scotland is leading the way in sustaining and developing many of the unique buildings and landscapes here in Angus. Through this joint approach we will work together to open up a new range of opportunities, essential to coping with the social, economic and political times in which we live.'
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland has revealed that changes in crofting practices over the past 12 years on the isle of Iona continue to prove successful in protecting corncrakes.

On Iona, prior to 1996 when there were no appropriate management plans in place, numbers of calling corncrakes were in single figures. But since the introduction of new management techniques by conservation experts at the National Trust for Scotland, their population has soared. Latest surveys identified 42 calling birds.

Abbie Patterson, National Species Recovery Officer, who has been leading the work on Iona, says that the positive attitude of the crofters to the preservation of the species has been very encouraging. He said:

"These birds have few natural enemies - on croftland, it was largely the method of cutting hay that was the problem. The crofters would work from the outer edges of the field inward.

"As corncrakes are a ground nesting bird they would be pushed by the tractor when cutting the hay inward to the middle of the field only to meet an untimely death. But that has changed. Since 1993, after methods were developed by the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage, meadows are cut from the centre outwards which gives the birds time to move to the outer edges where they are safe.

"The crofters are now also leaving margins at the edge of meadows in which the corncrakes can escape during the hay cut to safe ground to nest and breed."

The corncrake is a very distinctive bird in both appearance and call. They are related to moorhens, coots and rails but they differ from most members of that family as they live on dry land. They are very secretive and spend most of their time hidden in the tall vegetation. Their presence is only given away by their rasping call.

Crofters remember these birds with fondness when their calling would strike up at any time but mainly late in the evening and they recall their rasping sound on many a walk home through the fields from island dances.

Corncrakes can be seen, and heard from around mid-April until late August on a number of west coast islands, including Canna.

 

Young people who have devoted their time to conservation work with the National Trust for Scotland have been commended at an award ceremony in Edinburgh today.

Over the last three years, almost 120 young people from across Scotland joined in a special joint project with BAA Scotland to give young people the chance to get involved with hands on conservation work.

Pupils from Bankhead Academy in Aberdeen, Drumchapel High in Glasgow and Cramond Primary and Queensferry High in Edinburgh volunteered at conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland's properties from Drum Castle in the North East to Arran's Brodick Castle.

Young people from Aberdeen attended an award ceremony with the charity's Chief Executive, Kate Mavor on Thursday 28 May.

Ms Mavor said:

"As a conservation charity, we are committed to protecting and preserving Scotland's heritage for future generations. That's why we want to engage and inspire Scotland's schoolchildren. Young people are so enthusiastic about the environment and how they can make a difference. These young people are powerful advocates for conservation and are already out there spreading the word.

"By working with these young people now, we are sowing the seeds of a lifelong relationship with the National Trust for Scotland, our conservation work and the nation's heritage - ensuring that Scotland will be in safe hands in the future."

Helen Murley, Chairman of BAA Communities Trust said:

"The BAA Communities Trust is delighted to support the National Trust for Scotland's young person's project. This inspirational project is a fantastic initiative, which promotes valuable life skills such as relationship building and teamwork, and also builds confidence, all of which will benefit these young people in their personal and working lives.

"BAA is committed to strengthening its ties and building links through community support for local groups, working in the fields of sport, environment and economic regeneration. That is why, in 2009, we have committed to grants totalling close to £100,000. "
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park is preparing to host one of Ayrshire most inspiring events – Celebrate Ayrshire.

On Sunday 14 June, visitors from near and far are invited to come along during the special year of Homecoming and find out what makes Ayrshire so appealing.

In keeping with the Burns theme of the Homecoming year, visitors will have the chance to meet Ayrshire poet, Robert Burns in the flesh as he mingles with the crowd and shares some stanzas of his best known works.

More contemporary poetry will be provided by the talented Makar Press Poets, who will offer lively recitals of their latest pieces.

Another theme of the day, again with a Burns connection, is farming. Milking displays featuring an Ayrshire cow, Ayrshire tractors and Ayrshire produce will all feature in this fantastic family day out.

Event organiser, Katie Walker, who is also one of Culzean’s rangers, said:

“In this year of Homecoming, many people from across the globe and locally are planning to discover Ayrshire, pay their tributes to Burns and explore the area. As well as its strong traditions in the arts and poetry, Ayrshire has contributed much to Scotland’s way of life. Its agricultural produce is well-known throughout the world for its variety and quality.

“We are very pleased to have so many excellent local organisations, food producers and talented performers involved as we spread the word about Ayrshire and all it has to offer.

“Hopefully Culzean Castle and Country Park will prove to be such an inspiring setting our re-incarnated bard will feel bound to produce an ‘Ode to Ayrshire’ – a fitting tribute in this, the 250th anniversary of his birth.”

Celebrate Ayrshire takes place at Culzean Castle and Country Park on Sunday 14 June, from 11.00 until 16.00.

Some other event highlights include:

· Vintage Military vehicles, the land army and Robbie the Clydesdale horse

· Robert Watson M.A. B.D. (historian and writer) will be giving a talk on the Scottish Covenanters and playing his short film on the subject.

· Local food on sale including delicious Ayrshire Farmhouse Ice-cream

· Ayrshire artists demonstrating

· Live music from the Maybole Pipe Band and Johnstone Silver Band

· Explore inside an open-top Double Decker bus from the Beith Transport Museum

· Come and Try Archery with the British Longbow Society

Entry to Culzean Castle and Country Park costs £26 for a family and is free to members of the National Trust for Scotland.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Greenbank Garden in Clarkston will host an unusual exhibition on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May – 21 wheelbarrow gardens will be on display.

Planted by pupils at 21 local nurseries, primaries and secondary school, the Robert Burns inspired creations will brighten up the already glorious surroundings at the Georgian garden.

Over the weekend, visitors will vote for their favourite barrow and the winning gardening team will take a coveted trophy and prize back to their school.

Greenbank Property Manager David Ferguson said:

“We wanted to find a way to connect Homecoming and the bard’s birthday with what Greenbank does best – gardening. This project has helped young people from the local area learn about Burns, his life and work in the year when we are celebrating 250 years since his birth. The pupils also learned a great deal about garden design, especially as they were working with such limited space. We are so impressed with the creativity and colour of the entries and would encourage visitors to come along and choose their favourite.”  

Our Lady of the Missions School is returning to its original home – Holmwood House in Cathcart, Glasgow, to celebrate its 50th anniversary gala day on Sunday 31 May.

The house, which is now owned and cared for by conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, was home to the school for 34 years. To mark the school’s 50th anniversary, it is returning to its old grounds for a celebratory gala day.

The grounds of Holmwood House will host craft and food stalls, while an entertainer, facepainter, brass band and pipers will provide entertainment. There will also be the chance to beat the goalie, have a go at the crossbar challenge and check out a fire engine first hand.

Holmwood manager Jim McDowell said:

“We are very pleased to welcome Our Lady of the Missions School back to its original home for this special occasion. I am sure many former staff and pupils will be fascinated to see the changes that have occurred in the house since the National Trust for Scotland took it over. We are very lucky to have such an important Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson building in our care and it is a fascinating building. We hope that visitors will join us to learn more about our special house and help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school.”

The gala day takes place on Sunday 31 May from 12 noon until 5pm. Adult entry costs £2, children are free.  

A convoy of Bentleys will sweep up the stunning driveway at the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun near Montrose on Sunday 24 May.

The handsome Georgian house is the latest stop added to the Bentley Drivers Club itinerary, as they travel to the North East of Scotland.

Approximately 60 cars, old and new, will make an entrance at noon. The drivers will take lunch at the property, before heading off for a trip on the Caledonian Steam Railway.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“We are very much looking forward to receiving these prestigious guests, and their drivers too. The house is the perfect backdrop for these elegant cars. I’m sure our visitors will very much welcome this added attraction to our already impressive surroundings at the House of Dun.”  

The National Trust for Scotland has today announced the outcome of its consultation over staff reductions and possible property closures.

Job cuts amongst permanent staff reduced from 91 to 65,

· Arduaine Garden in Argyll reprieved while funds raised,

· Kellie Castle in Fife and Hugh Miller Museum in Cromarty to remain open,

· David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre, Barry Mill in Angus and Inveresk Lodge Garden in East Lothian still awaiting decision from funders,

· Hutchesons’ Hall in Glasgow, Leith Hall in Aberdeenshire and Hill of Tarvit Mansion House in Fife to close (gardens, estate and golf course remain open).

In March it was anticipated that 91 full time jobs may have to go as part of the charity’s cost saving measures. However, following consultation with staff, represented by the trade union Prospect and external stakeholders, there will now be 44 compulsory redundancies and 21 voluntary redundancies. Further jobs may be retained, pending the outcome of consultation over some of the properties.

The job reductions currently amount to 13 per cent of the Trust’s 487 permanent staff and not 18 per cent as originally anticipated. Of the organisation’s seasonal staff, which varies over the season, peaking at 800, there have been reductions in overall hours for the 2009 season. Consequently there are 46 actual redundancies amongst seasonal staff, including 15 voluntary redundancies - considerably fewer than originally anticipated. The future of a further 16 seasonal posts will be clarified in the coming days – these are dependant on the decisions made regarding the future of some Trust properties.

11 loss making Trust properties were identified as being at risk of closure or required to be run differently. However, following extensive dialogue with staff, potential donors and external stakeholders, today the charity disclosed that three properties (Kellie Castle, Haddo House and the Hugh Miller Museum) will remain open for the foreseeable future, one (Arduaine Garden) will remain open for a year to enable an endowment to be raised, three more (David Livingstone Centre, Barry Mill and Inveresk Lodge Garden) were awaiting news of possible support from external sources and the remaining four (Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, Hutchesons’ Hall, Leith Hall and the Visitor Centre at Ben Lawers) will have to close.

The Trust’s Board had identified that significant cost saving measures were required across the whole organisation to give essential long term support to the charity’s finances. Although the consultation process has minimised compulsory redundancies and helped prevent the closure of some properties, the Board recognised that doing nothing to mitigate the considerable effects of the recession was not an option.

Commenting on today’s decisions, Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“The Trust is now in a more financially secure position to forge ahead. Our primary concern is the protection of Scotland’s heritage for future generations. We have done the right thing to safeguard our 130 properties and allow us to focus on our world-class conservation work. We have seen the power of local support for our properties and hope that many more people will come forward to visit our properties, join the membership and contribute to our appeals to support Scotland’s treasures.”

Background to the 11 properties

Kellie Castle, Fife: The property will remain open as costs have been reduced. This will be achieved by a reduction in staffing levels. A seasonal Senior Assistant will manage the castle on a day to day basis, supported by our loyal volunteers. The gardens and estate will also remain open to visitors as before.

Hugh Miller Museum and Birthplace Cottage, Cromarty: The property will remain open as it is anticipated the deficit will be eliminated by a reduction in staff and opening hours. In future, the museum will be open to visitors four days a week. It is hoped that a much needed partnership arrangement can also be achieved with other visitor attractions in Cromarty, for joint management and ticketing in 2010, to ensure long term sustainability.

Haddo House, Aberdeenshire: The only change at Haddo from previous arrangements is that visitors are now required to pre-book their visit to the property. This allows the Trust to reduce staffing costs and offer the house for more special functions with minimal upheaval. In addition to the Trust’s pre-booked tours of the house each afternoon, Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to fund morning tours. Visitors can still enjoy the gardens, shop and café which are all open, in conjunction with the Country Park run by the Council.

Arduaine Garden, Argyll: There has been a very heartening response both locally and further afield in support of keeping Arduaine Garden near Oban open and the property can now remain open for a year so that an endowment can be raised. The Jeniam Foundation has generously agreed to fund the deficit of the property for this period, enabling strenuous efforts to be made by all interested parties to fundraise. There is also a very generous offer from the McCoss family of an annual donation for the next 25 years. The Trust is in talks with the Loch Melfort Hotel to explore marketing opportunities and a new Friends Group has been formed to champion the garden. Anyone interested in supporting Arduaine Garden should contact the development team on development@nts.org.uk, or donations can be sent to Arduaine Garden, co Development Team, Wemyss House, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4ET.

The David Livingstone Centre, Lanarkshire: The Trust manages DLC on behalf of its owners, the DLC Trustees, who have stated that they intend to raise a large endowment for their property. Meetings have taken place between the Trust, the Trustees and South Lanarkshire Council to discuss the property’s future. As well as the endowment, the six-figure deficit for running DLC also needs to be covered externally as the Trust can no longer afford to do so. Encouraging progress is being made with external supporters as regards the deficit and a decision will be taken by mid-June.

Barry Mill, Angus: A Friends Group has been formed to support the mill and has already made a difference by promoting the property locally. Discussions are underway with three potential sources of external funding and a decision will be taken by the end of June.

Inveresk Lodge Garden, East Lothian: Volunteers from the Inveresk Village Society are willing actively to promote the garden and their most welcome continued support is essential. Discussions are still underway with external funders and we expect their decision by the end of June.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, Fife: The property has one of the Trust’s largest, six figure, deficits. Sadly, no workable solutions to this situation have been forthcoming and the house, including the shop and tearoom, will now close. However, the gardens, estate and hickory golf course will continue to be open to visitors. Options for the mansion house collection are still being carefully examined.

Hutchesons’ Hall, Glasgow: The Trust has been seeking a suitable tenant for a number of years. The building has had to be closed to visitors due to lack of staff, and will now remain closed. Options for the collection are still being explored.

Leith Hall House, Aberdeenshire: The property has been closed and with the full support of the donor family, a proposal is being progressed for the development of areas of the estate and the conversion of the house back to residential flats. The gardens and estate will remain open to visitors.

Ben Lawers Mountain Visitor Centre: The Centre has not been opened in 2009 and it is likely to be demolished. Its contents are still accessible to the public in the Trust’s building at Lynedoch in Killin. The Trust’s two rangers and a part-time ecologist will still be based in Killin to continue our outstanding nature conservation work.



 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland has today clarified the opening hours at its North East properties.

The move follows concerns over proposed changes to opening arrangements at 11 Trust properties across Scotland, including some in North East.

The full details of opening hours are as follows:

Castle Fraser – Open from noon until 17.00 on Thursday until Sunday, until 30 June. From 1 July, the castle is open daily from 11.00 until 17.00.

Craigievar Castle – Closed for major renovation work.

Crathes Castle - Open from 10.30 until 16.30 on Saturday until Thursday, until 30 June. Throughout July and August, the castle is open daily from 10.30 until 17.30. The shop, courtyard restaurant and Horsemill tearoom are open daily.

Drum Castle – Open from 11.30 until 17.00 on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday until 30 June. From 1 July, open daily from 11.30 until 17.00.

Fyvie Castle – Open from 12 noon until 17.00 on Saturday until Tuesday, until 30 June. From 1 July, open daily from 11.00 until 17.00.

Haddo House – The house is open for pre-booked guided tours at 11.30, 13.30 and 15.30 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until 30 June. From 1 July, pre-booked guided tours are available daily at 11.30, 13.30 and 15.30. The shop and tearoom are open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until 30 June and daily from 1 July.

Leith Hall – The garden and grounds are open daily.

Pitmedden Garden – Open daily from 10.00 until 17.30.  

An exciting exhibition of Mackintosh-inspired design is underway at the National Trust for Scotland’s iconic Hill House in Helensburgh.

The vibrant display of contemporary fabrics by artists from the Centre for Advanced Textiles at Glasgow School of Art runs until 28 June.

The three artists – Vicky Begg, JR Campbell and Alan Shaw – use modern digital techniques to print their bold and colourful fabrics. They have drawn much of their inspiration from designs held in various archives. This exhibition is based on a collection of drawings for textile designs by Charles Rennie Mackintosh now kept in the Glasgow University archive.

The exhibition is open from 13.30 to 17.30 until 28 June. Admission to Hill House costs £8.50 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £21 for a family. Contact 0844 493 2208.
 

School pupils will continue to be welcome at Trust properties across the country this year, the charity has confirmed.

Responding to media claims that school trips could be cancelled, the conservation charity has said that educational visits will proceed.

As a conservation charity, the Trust is committed to inspiring, educating and engaging with Scotland's young people.

Thousands of pupil visits are already lined up - Culzean Castle alone is getting ready for more than 12,000 pupils to come through its doors this season.  

Two acclaimed Scottish operas will make their Scottish debut this summer at the National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House, near Ellon in Aberdeenshire.

The productions which were penned by Edinburgh-based Iain McFarlane celebrate two very different periods of Scottish history.

Ae fond kiss – the opera inspired by the life of Burns – provides a fitting tribute to the bard in the year of Homecoming – the 250th anniversary of his birth. It premieres in Scotland on 21 July, with a repeat performance on 28 July.

The piece chronicles the bard’s life, loves and work. The opera was first performed at the Royal opera House in Covent Garden in 2001 and received rave reviews.

MacRobert’s Reply, which will be performed for the first time in Scotland on 23 July, tells the story of an Aberdeenshire family throughout World War 2.

The opera is a moving tale of a family struggling to cope with the trials of wartime and the tragedy it brings. A second performance takes place on 30 July.

Haddo House Property Manager, Julie Lorimer said:

“We are very excited to be hosting such prestigious premieres at Haddo House this summer. Our wonderful house is a fantastic and fitting venue for these critically-acclaimed modern operas.”

Opera creator, Iain MacFarlane said:

“I cannot think of a better setting than Haddo to unveil these innately Scottish pieces to the nation. It is a house steeped in history, and its wonderful hall will help make these premieres all the more special.”

Tickets for both operas are on sale now at www.thebooth.co.uk.

Pre-theatre meals are available on all performance dates at Haddo House. For more information and booking, please call 0844 493 2179.  

Local primary school pupils will be transported back to Victorian times at the National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle, Turriff on Thursday 7 May.

Schoolchildren from Fyvie and Meldrum will have the chance to meet the Victorian butler during their time at the Trust property. They will see the grander side of life in a castle, before comparing it to the life of those below stairs.

The Victorian Butler, known to many as Mike Newcomen from Alba Adventure Company, will be keeping a keen eye on these young trainees and offering some words of guidance should any of them choose to apply for the role of footman or housemaid.

Sandra Morrison, Group Learning Manager said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to visit a local castle, learn about life in the past and most importantly enjoy their learning. We must never under-estimate the power of first hand experiences. Today we have Virtual Tours available on the internet, an extremely useful tool for studying places of interest either at home or at school, however nothing beats the real thing. The feel of a place alone can have a very positive and lasting effect for visitors of all ages.”

This event organised by the National Trust for Scotland’s Learning Services Department supports the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Places are still available for Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 May. For bookings, please telephone Fyvie Castle on 0844 493 2182.  

Information for members and supporters about the changes underway at the charity now online.

More details and a helpful Q&A is available to download at: www.nts.org.uk/about/downloads/changes_at_your_trust.pdf  

A rare mud house restored by conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, has taken a top international heritage award – one of a handful of UK entries to achieve the honour this year.

Logie Schoolhouse near Montrose has won an award in the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/ Europa Nostra Awards 2009, the highest accolade in building conservation in Europe. The awards recognise outstanding work in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, and will be presented at a ceremony in Sicily on 5 June.

Conservation experts at the National Trust for Scotland’s Little Houses Improvement Scheme completed the ambitious project to restore the mud building and convert it into a modern and comfortable one bedroom home in September 2008.

Dating from the 19th century, the schoolhouse is one of the most complete surviving examples of mudwall buildings in Scotland. In the past it was used as a school and a church, but it fell into disrepair and was ear-marked for demolition. However, thanks to the intervention of a concerned neighbour, Angus Council realised the importance of conserving this unusual building and developed a proposal to save it from demolition, working with the National Trust for Scotland.

The £390,000 project received funding from Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government and Angus Council and involved a team of specialist builders and craftsmen, using traditional skills.

Judges for the elite international heritage body were impressed with the conservation charity’s approach to the project – by conserving it as found, the Trust minimised changes to the building wherever possible and used traditional materials and skills to carry out vital repairs, while ensuring the property would meet modern housing standards.

National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“Logie Schoolhouse is a first class demonstration of what the National Trust for Scotland contributes to Scotland. Our skill and expertise have conserved one of Scotland’s most interesting and unusual buildings for the future.

“Thanks to our intervention, the building is now safe and secure and making an important contribution to the housing market in a rural area, providing accommodation for local tenants. This is one of the differences our charity can make to communities across Scotland.

“It is wonderful that an esteemed body such as Europa Nostra has recognised the significance of this little building and our role in its preservation. Indeed, it is fitting that, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of our Little House Improvement Scheme, the Trust’s role in delivering exemplary conservation projects that bring wider benefits to the people of Scotland, is recognised at the highest level.”

Throughout the restoration project, National Trust for Scotland conservation experts organised series of workshops for everyone from building experts to schoolchildren, to spread knowledge of earth buildings and earth building techniques. Funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the generous support of the National Trust for Scotland’s Angus Members’ Centre, the events helped to revive the knowledge of and interest in these increasingly rare buildings.

Siân Loftus, Little Houses Improvement Scheme Manager said:

“Logie Schoolhouse is an important property for the National Trust for Scotland and its partners in this project, for Angus and for its new tenant. The building is so rare and so interesting that it simply had to be saved for future generations.

“The Trust is pleased to have played such an important part in securing its future and ensuring that the history and traditions of mud building continue into the 21st century and even beyond.”

Angus Council’s convener of Infrastructure Services, David May said:

“Angus Council is pleased to have been associated with the restoration and refurbishment of the former Logie Schoolhouse. By giving a conservation grant of £10,000 towards the restoration work, the council has shown a commitment to saving one of the county’s most unique historic buildings which has been spared demolition. Winning a Europa Nostra award shows what can be achieved through the commitment shown to restore this building.”

A spokesperson for Awards for All said:

"The Logie Schoolhouse project offered a unique opportunity to preserve one of Scotland’s more unusual buildings. The application was ideally suited for Awards for All funding given it’s aim of promoting education through the provision of workshops in the specialist area of earth contraction, which was essential if the character of this building was to be maintained. In our eyes this project was a great success and we are glad to have played a part in ensuring the schoolhouse survives well into the 21st century."  

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland is encouraging Scotland to take to the hills this summer, with a brand new walking section on www.nts.org.uk.

The charity, which cares for some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountain terrain at places like Glencoe, Torridon and Kintail, says that walking is the ideal way to explore some of the nation’s finest scenery.

The new pages which go live today at www.nts.org.uk/walking will provide information on the Trust’s top spots for walks, including podcasts, pictures and ranger-led walks and events too. In association with The Herald, there will be a ‘walk of the month’ route available for download. Routes range from the strenuous to the more sedate at properties as diverse as Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms, to the coastal Culzean Country Park.

Supporters can also find out how to support the maintenance of the Trust’s 394 miles of mountain footpaths, through their Sole Trading appeal at the online one stop walking shop.

Marketing Manager Clare Willis said:

“The Trust is privileged to look after a diverse range of terrain – with walks for peoples of all levels and abilities. Whether you are a keen mountaineer, looking for action and adventure or a countryside ramble is your cup of tea, we want to encourage people to get out and enjoy some of the wonderful landscape that we protect and preserve for the nation.”

To mark the start of the walking season and the launch of the new site, the conservation charity is also running a competition to win a weekend for four at the newly refurbished North Mains Cottage at Craigievar Castle, near Alford in Aberdeenshire. To enter, visit www.nts.org.uk/win .

For more information on walking at Trust properties, check out the special supplement in The Herald on Saturday 25 April.  

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle by Banchory, as staff and volunteers make the final preparations to open to visitors for the summer season.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the imposing castle, which has been inhabited from more than 650 years, and its wonderful interiors, ready to receive guests from 2 May.

The castle’s glorious garden will also be in great shape for guests – thanks to the extra help of volunteers who have taken part in the recent programme of gardening taster days, under the watchful eye of Diana Robertson, head gardener.

Castle Custodian Jackie Fisher said:

“We are gearing up for a great season at Drum Castle. Our staff and volunteers are working really hard to put the final touches in place for our big start to the season. We have already had a busy Easter weekend, giving visitors a sneak preview of our treasures and are looking forward to building on this in the coming months.”

Drum Castle is also a haven for wildlife and there is a packed programme of nature events planned for 2009. Find out more about the castle’s collection of tulips on Sunday 10 May or enjoy a Midsummer Night’s Dream in the grounds at Drum on 25 June. For full details of forthcoming events at Drum, visit www.nts.org.uk.

Drum Castle is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 May from 11.30 until 17.00. The gardens and grounds are open daily.

Entry costs £8.50 for an adult and £21 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2161.  

Two Chinese lacquer screens that have never been on public display before will make their debut at the National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes on 1 May, as the property opens for the 2009 visitor season.

The folding Coromandel screens, which are ebony with panels of incised black lacquer, ornately decorated with birds, animals and scenes of Chinese life have been in storage for some time.

Now expert conservators have carried out delicate restoration work to return the screens to their former glory and give them pride of place once more in Newhailes in Musselburgh. The 17th century house was once home to the Dalrymple family and boasts one of the finest collections of decorative art in Scotland.

Brought to East Lothian in the 18th century by Lady Christian Dalrymple, the screens are fine examples of the Chinese influence on interiors at the time. The two screens, one two panel and one four panel, will add to the property’s fabulous collection, as the new visitor season gets underway.

Ian Gow, Chief Curator at the National Trust for Scotland said:

“The Trust is privileged to have a collection of the quality of Newhailes in its care and these fine artworks and furniture require careful treatment. Restoring these key pieces helps us to understand more about the interiors of Newhailes in the late 18th century, and the wider trends in interior design at the time. Chinese pieces were coming into Scotland, due to trading links with the East, and many wealthy families were greatly influenced by the Chinese aesthetic.”

Newhailes Manager Karen Caldwell said:

“Newhailes’ collection is inspiring and visitors are always full of praise for its beauty and the unusual pieces that they can enjoy there. We are excited to see these important screens restored to their rightful place. They add to the ambience of the library and the Chinese sitting room. As we begin the visitor season on 1 May, it is wonderful to have such an exciting addition to our interiors which are simply amongst the best in Scotland.”

Newhailes house and visitor centre is open from Thursday until Monday from noon until 5pm. Guided tours depart every half hour from the visitor centre, from 12.30 until the last tour at 4pm. Booking is recommended. For bookings, call 0844 493 2125.  

The hedges are being trimmed at the National Trust for Scotland’s Pitmedden Garden in Ellon, as staff and volunteers make the final preparations to open to visitors for the summer season on 1 May.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the garden in perfect order in time to receive visitors once again. Pitmedden is a tranquil haven, with wonderful formal parterres, planted with colourful bedding plants and surrounded by glorious herbaceous borders.

The garden also boasts a fine collection of apple and pear trees. Fruits are on sale from early September.

Visitors can also enjoy a trip back in time at the Museum of Farming Life, which provides a fascinating insight into farming tools and techniques from days gone by.

Susan Burgess, property manager and head gardener, said:

“This will be an exciting year for the walled garden. A new Victorian-style conservatory is being reinstated to the south side of Pitmedden House which will greatly improve the visitor experience. If you’ve never visited the garden before or if it’s been a while since your last visit, why not come along and enjoy this local treasure.”

Pitmedden Garden is open daily from 1 May, from 10am until 5.30pm. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2177.  

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle in Banchory, as staff and volunteers make the final preparations to open to visitors for the summer season.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the imposing castle, which has long been associated with Burnett family, and its wonderful interiors, ready to receive guests from 2 May.

The castle’s glorious garden will also be in great shape for guests. The walled garden with its rich diversity of planting styles and ancient yew hedges is a firm favourite amongst regular visitors.

Linda Whyte, Castle Manager said:

“We are gearing up for a great season at Crathes Castle. We have already had one of our most successful Easter weekends ever and we hope to build on that this summer. We are all looking forward to bringing the rich history of this stunning castle to life for our visitors this season.”

Crathes Castle is also a haven for wildlife and there is a packed programme of nature events planned for 2009. Get up bright and early and enjoy the dawn chorus under the expert guidance of Crathes rangers on Saturday 9 May, or explore the wildlife on the estate on Thursday 14 May. For full details of forthcoming events at Crathes, visit www.nts.org.uk.

Crathes Castle is open from Saturday until Thursday from 10.30 until 16.30, from 2 May. The shop is open daily from 10.00 until 17.00 and the courtyard restaurant and Horsemill tearoom are open from 10.00 until 16.45.

Entry costs £10.50 for an adult and £26 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2166.  

Keen conservationists are today hoping that the Black Grouse population on Arran will soar once more as nine recently imported males are released into the wild on the island.

The birds, which were brought to the island by the Arran Black Grouse Group, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, have been electronically tagged so that their movements can be tracked during their first breeding season on the island.

Fourteen pairs were recently brought to the island as part of a planned reintroduction programme. Black grouse were once common on Arran’s peaks, but had all but disappeared.

Now, the males will have time to establish territories before the female birds are released.

National Trust for Scotland senior ranger Kate Sampson said:

“We want the birds to get the best possible start in their new life on Arran, so we are taking all the steps we can to keep their stress levels to a minimum when they are released. It is important that they can be freed with as little fuss as possible. I know that we will all be keeping a close eye on the tracking devices to see how the birds are doing in their first few weeks and months, and will have our fingers crossed for a successful breeding season.”

Graeme Walker, Scottish Natural Heritage Area Officer said:

"It's great to be backing this community project and, after a lot of hard work from everyone involved, see it get to the stage where these special and distinctive birds are back where they belong."  

An annual springtime survey to monitor birds begins this week at one of Edinburgh’s most tranquil city gardens.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Malleny Garden in Balerno is just a bus ride from the city centre. The historic garden boasts a wonderful display of topiary, including 4 fabulous shaped yew trees dating from the 17th century. Old fashioned roses, vegetables and herbs, and birds, also flourish there.

Volunteer Bob McHardy begins his sixth annual bird survey this week at the garden – monitoring the species and numbers of birds who have settled there for the summer. The garden is a rich habitat for birds due to its abundant food sources and tranquil setting and is home to species including chiff-chaff, song thrush, bullfinch and loads of wrens.

Over the years, Bob has sought out some more unusual sights too, including a tawny owl and greater spotted woodpecker.

He said:

“My interest in birds began back in 1965, when as a biology teacher I heard a talk about listening to birds and things grew from there. I first got involved with the Trust at the gardens in Melrose. Rangers and gardening staff have helped me build up my skills and I’ve learned a lot over the years – like it’s best to survey on dry, calm days.”

Property Manager Phil Deacon said:

“Malleny is a real haven for wildlife and thanks to Bob’s devotion over the years, we are able to keep track of how our birds are doing. As a conservation charity, we are reassured to see that our bird populations are staying stable, at a time when people are concerned about the disappearance of some of the most common species from gardens across the country.”

Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser, added:

“The Trust depends a lot on dedicated volunteers to help with our conservation work and Bob kindly offered his time to survey our birds. We are always on the look-out for other keen naturalists to help us monitor our wildlife and we would welcome anyone who likes to study birds, bugs, mosses or animals, to get in contact with us and give up a bit of their time to help conserve Scotland’s wildlife.”

Malleny Garden is open daily from 10am until 6pm. Entry costs £3 for an adult and £8 for a family.  

Clay tobacco pipes thought to date from the 19th century have been unearthed by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists on agricultural land near Greenbank House in Clarkston.

Greenbank House was built by Robert Allason, a merchant who traded in tobacco and other commodities.

Recent ploughing in two fields on the drumlin ridge to the south-west of the 18th century merchant’s house and garden disturbed a number of artefacts which were discovered by Trust archaeologist Derek Alexander.

As well as white glazed pottery, green bottle glass, buttons and one very corroded coin, there were over 110 pieces of clay tobacco pipes. It is thought that the artefacts were spread on the field as part of the manuring process in the 19th century.

All the pipes found were manufactured in Glasgow by companies including A. Coghill, Christie, J. Shaw, T. McLachlin and Alexander.

Derek Alexander said:

“It is not unusual to find pottery and glass in fields, because artefacts like this were often dumped on farmland throughout the 19th century. However, it is unusual to find such a high concentration of pipes. We don’t know if this is simply the result of dumping a load of farm refuse on the spot or whether it marks the area where ploughmen and farm labourers rested and smoked.”

Clay pipes were first introduced into Scotland in the late 16th century with the importation of tobacco from the New World. By the 19th century, clay pipes were mass produced and were almost disposable and were commonly used until the First World War.

McDougal pipemakers in Glasgow was in operation from 1847 until 1968.  

The National Trust for Scotland is in consultation with its staff and many stakeholders, including Scottish Government and local government representatives, regarding the future use of 11 of our properties.

We are pleased with the constructive nature of these discussions to date and expect to draw conclusions before the end of May.

Consulting with around 310,000 Trust members individually costs the charity over £40,000 in postage alone to mail to 189,000 membership addresses on a single topic. We hope members will appreciate that this form of communication is therefore limited in the current economic climate.

However, our members are represented by the governing body of the Trust, the Council, which is comprised of councillors elected by the Trust’s membership. At a meeting of the Trust’s Council on 27 March, the Board explained the rationale for its proposals, which the Council fully endorsed.

In addition, we are grateful to members who have contacted us with their ideas and suggestions and we plan to keep our membership informed of developments through our website and the Trust magazine, Scotland in Trust, which each member receives three times a year. The effects of the current recession and how our members can support the charity are outlined in a feature in the current spring edition.

As well as changes to 11 properties the Trust owns or manages, last month proposals to further reduce costs through staffing reductions were announced by the charity.

Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland said:
“Conserving and protecting Scotland’s heritage for future generations is the main priority of our charity. We will be taking difficult decisions on staffing levels and changes to 11 out of our 130 properties, in order to ensure the financial stability of the Trust as a whole.”  

New information highlighting the Pictish civilisation that once thrived in Angus is the latest addition at the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun estate near Montrose.

A series of information panels have been set up around the glorious grounds at the Angus estate, highlighting the significance of Gallows Knowe – a burial mound, created by the Picts. The site continued to be a significant place for local settlers for the following centuries and may even have been a site for executions in medieval times.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“While many people naturally think of the grandeur of the House of Dun, there is so much more to this jewel in Angus’ crown. The surrounding expansive and scenic estate is rich in both natural and cultural heritage. As well as the diverse habitats for wildlife, the area was a site of Pictish settlement and the burial mound provides a fascinating insight into a mysterious and period in our nation’s history.”

The House of Dun estate is open daily. The house is open from Wednesday until Sunday from noon until 5pm.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre is celebrating the first anniversary of its official opening today (16 April), with the news that around 300,000 visitors spent time at the revamped battlefield and visitor centre in the past 12 months.

Around 300,000 people have made the journey to the battlefield which was recently carefully restored by the conservation charity. Around 125,000 of those visitors have also spent time in the state-of-the-art exhibition which is designed to help dispel some of the myths surrounding the battle.

That is an increase of almost 40 per cent on the number of visitors to the exhibition alone, for the same period for the previous year.

And making their contribution to that total are the Nicol family from Inverness. Philip Nicol (7) was one of the winners of an international competition to officially open the centre to the public on 16 April 2008. He and his family are regular visitors to the centre.

On one visit, First Minister Alex Salmond MSP also happened to be visiting, so Philip put his expert knowledge of the battle and the centre to the test, taking the First Minister on a tour.

Philip’s dad, Trevor Nicol said:

“Philip is very proud of the centre and has taken family and friends there to see the plaque with his name on it. Philip really likes the immersion film and the weapons, but he also enjoys being out on the battlefield itself and we always spend time out there when we visit.”

Philip traced his family tree and discovered he was descended from a family of soldiers who fought on opposite sides on that fateful day in 1746.

Scott Hay (12) from Kincraig, also impressed the judging panel with his family tree and played an important part in the re-opening of Culloden.

He has fond memories of the opening ceremony. He said:

“My favourite part of the day was cutting the ribbon, then going round the exhibition with my friends.”

The boys say that the 360 degree immersion film is one of their favourite features of the new centre and both have proudly shown off the plaque in which their role in history is preserved.

The £9.5 million project to revamp the battlefield restored important features and provided a cutting edge visitor centre, which really brings the reality of the battle to life for the 21st century.

During its first year, it has received commendation and accolades from a wide range of sources, including a top five star award by VisitScotland, who singled out the centre’s dedicated staff for praise.

Property Manager Deirdre Smyth said:

“This is a very important week for Culloden. Not only are we celebrating a successful year, since our official opening, but we are preparing to commemorate the battle. It is vital that we keep the memory of the events that took place so many years ago alive. The Trust is honoured to play its part in doing so.”



The following events are planned to commemorate the Battle of Culloden:

16 April

1- 2pm – lone piper plays at memorial cairn

18 April

11am – Gaelic Society of Inverness annual memorial service at the battlefield cairn

2pm – Readings from the winners of the Hidden Stories creative writing competition

4pm – Lecture by Professor Christopher Duffy.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House near Ellon will host exhibitions this visitor season in one of the North East’s most unusual exhibition spaces – a converted game larder.

Unveiled as the house opened for Easter weekend, the game larder has been given a new lease of life thanks to the hard work of the dedicated team of staff at Haddo, especially handyman Peter McCallum.

Its first show is already underway – a temporary exhibition showcasing the history of the house as well as highlighting the house as a wedding venue.

Money generously donated by the North East Aberdeenshire Members Centre will pay for permanent display boards.

Julie Lorimer, Property Manager said:

“We are pleased that the game larder is finally being put to good use. It is a beautiful building in its own right but has never been open to the public. This offers our visitors the opportunity to view the building and get a snapshot of the house at the same time. It has proved popular all weekend and we have received positive comments from our visitors expressing their delight at seeing the building being used.

Haddo House is open for pre booked guided tours throughout the season. Tours run daily at 14.30, or on arrangement (minimum 5 people). To arrange a tour, call 0844 493 2179.  

An ancient rubbish tip on Iona has provided the first confirmed trace of Bronze Age activity on the island.

Discovered by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists last September, the prehistoric midden pit was eroding out of a sandy bank of a burn on the west side of Iona.

Within the dark soil were lots of limpet and whelk shells, burnt and unburnt animal bones, shards of pottery, flint and a large cobble stone tool.

Now, newly received results of radiocarbon testing from the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre in East Kilbride have confirmed a 95 per cent chance that the midden dates from between 930 and 810 BC.

Trust archaeologist Derek Alexander said:

“This is a very significant find for Iona. It is well known for its early Christian history, however, we now have the first evidence which shows that there was settlement even earlier. The midden contains lots of useful information that may help shed some light on what life on pre-historic Iona was like. However, we don’t have all the answers - while it is quite clear that the remains are domestic rubbish, but whether they relate to a settlement in the immediate vicinity is unknown.”  

An unusual exhibition fusing painting and instant photography gets underway at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone Gallery on the Royal Mile.

From 14 until 19 April Rhiannon Connelly’s “Polaroid Paintings” will be on show at the 17th century townhouse in Edinburgh’s old town.

Rhiannon uses Polaroid technology and then manipulates the emulsion on the photographic paper to create a dreamlike image half way between a photograph and a painting. The photograph is then scanned and printed to create a much larger final image.

Her subjects include places close to her Edinburgh base and further afield throughout Europe, as well as colourful still life arrangements.  

The National Trust for Scotland has joined forces with Cadbury to give families an eggciting Easter experience this year.

Easter Egg Trails will take place at 33 Trust properties over the Easter weekend – giving families lots of Easter fun – including the ‘Face on your Egg’ competition which is challenging budding designers to draw their very own Cadbury EggHead. The winner will see their design on a Cadbury Easter egg in 2010, as well as receiving a family trip to Cadbury World.

Scots TV celebrity, Amanda Hamilton who presents BBC2’s Something for the Weekend, designed her own Cadbury EggHead to kick-start this year’s trail, which also offer a range of fun-packed activities including, professional story tellers, face painters and a dedicated play area.

Amanda said:

“I had such a good time designing my EggHead and the finished product looks amazing. I really hope families will go down to the Easter Egg Trails and have a go at designing their own, while taking part in the other Easter celebrations.”

Jill McNicol from the National Trust for Scotland said:

“We are sure that yet again, families will really enjoy a great day out at the National Trust Easter for Scotland Egg Trails. Children can have lots of fun in the outdoors and learn about the tremendous history within the properties. We look forward to welcoming more families than ever to the National Trust Easter for Scotland Egg Trails this year, supported by Cadbury.”

As part of the confectionery company’s “Purple Goes Green initiative” Cadbury recently won the Green Awards Best Packaging Award 2008 for the Eggheads, which are specifically made with minimum packaging and used at the Eggtrails.
Kate Knight, from Cadbury added: “We’re thrilled to be associated with such an iconic Easter event and can’t wait to see some of the fantastic ‘Face on your Egg’ entries.”

For more information, and listings of Easter Egg Trails, visit www.nts.org.uk/Events/Whats-on/Cadbury-easter-trails/  

Coeliac UK, the national charity that supports people with coeliac disease, today, 9 April 2009, announces that the National Trust for Scotland has agreed to partner them in its new campaign, ‘Free for Tea?’.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness about coeliac disease – a serious lifelong autoimmune disease triggered by eating gluten - and the consequences of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet when eating out.

Throughout May, a number of the National Trust for Scotland tea shops, cafes and restaurants will lead the way in supporting Coeliac UK’s ‘Free for Tea?’ – providing information on the condition and gluten-free options on their menus. Hundreds of thousands of people visit National Trust for Scotland properties every year and it is expected that the campaign will reach thousands of visitors by the end of May. The campaign is also being supported by National Trust properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The only treatment for coeliac disease is to keep gluten out of the diet. However, gluten – found in wheat, barley and rye – is found in many foods especially prepared meals. This makes eating out particularly difficult for people with the condition.

Without keeping to a strict gluten-free diet for life, the condition can lead to serious ill health and other major conditions, such as infertility, osteoporosis and bowel cancer.

A recent survey² of over 3,000 Coeliac UK Members showed that over 58% felt that eating establishments do not offer clear gluten-free options, and 59% don’t trust staff to know enough about preparing gluten-free food.

Sue McCracken, Catering Development Manager from the National Trust for Scotland said: ‘Supporting Coeliac UK’s ‘Free for Tea?’ campaign is a natural partnership for us. We are proud of the food we serve at our sites and it is important to us that we make everyone who visits us feel welcome and able to eat in our venues. The National Trust has already led the way on many food issues, such as promoting local, seasonal food and using freedom food, free range eggs in all our cafes and restaurants. We see this campaign as a great opportunity to help support a very important message to dispel the ignorance and misunderstanding surrounding coeliac disease.’

Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive, of Coeliac UK said: ‘For many people, going out for tea is synonymous with going out to their local National Trust for Scotland property; so we are thrilled that the National Trust for Scotland has been keen to support our campaign.’

‘1% of the UK population has coeliac disease and the need for catering outlets to offer gluten-free options on their menus is ever increasing. It’s also a great way to increase the number of customers eating out which can only be a good thing in tough trading conditions. We hope that others will follow the National Trust’s lead and embrace the needs of people with coeliac disease who will then be able to eat out safely and with added choice,’ she added.

The awareness campaign will run throughout May, with Coeliac UK holding a specific Awareness Week from 11th -17th May.

Properties taken part are the Burns National Heritage Park, Alloway, Ayrshire; Crathes Castle and Gardens, Banchory, Aberdeenshire; Culloden, Inverness; Culzean Castle and Country Park, Maybole, Ayrshire; No 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh and Pollok House, Glasgow. Further information is available on the National Trust for Scotland website at www.nts.org.uk and on the Coeliac UK website at coeliac.org.uk.


 

A unique sponsorship scheme which allows Burns’ fans and followers from across the world to help preserve rare items belonging to the Bard has launched. The items will be going on display at the National Trust for Scotland’s new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

The ‘Burns 250 Collection’ is a fundraising initiative launched by the conservation charity for the conservation, care and exhibition of some 5,000 items including priceless manuscripts, exquisite artifacts and rare memorabilia belonging and relating to Scotland’s Robert Burns, including Jean Armour’s wedding ring, a manuscript of Tam o’Shanter and the Burns’ family bible.

David Hopes, curator of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, has identified some of the most prized and valuable collection items for those who donate between £5,000 and over £50,000. There are varying levels of sponsorship for the conservation of each item, ranging from £250 for individual donors to over £50,000, for the most precious items in the collection.

Every Burns 250 donor, who sponsors an item, will receive a certificate with the exclusive Robert Burns seal and named recognition in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and contribute to the lasting legacy being created at the new museum, which is due to open in 2010.

Project Curator David Hopes said:

“There are some fascinating items set to go on display in the new museum and we really are appealing to the public, both in the UK and overseas to get behind the Burns 250 Collection and feel proud to be helping conserve artifacts that have huge cultural significance in Scotland and beyond.

“Romantics can have their name linked to a love letter written in the poet’s hand, music enthusiasts can contribute to the care of the poet’s guitar and art lovers can revel in the array of striking portraits and sculptures associated with Burns.”

Those donating over £5,000 for the Collection items will receive a certificate, named recognition and, for gifts over £10,000, an invitation the museum opening in 2010. The donation can also be made as a gift.

The initiative aims to raise funds for the new museum, which will serve as a lasting tribute to Scotland’s national poet. The ambitious plans for the new £21 million, 1,600m² museum are being undertaken by the Trust to provide a first class exhibition space for the priceless Burns collections.

David added:

“The Burns 250 collection offers people, clubs, organizations and businesses from across the world the chance to play their part in preserving the legacy of Burns at the new museum. This means that Burns enthusiasts are getting a unique opportunity to be linked to the bard’s history and his future too - allowing generations to enjoy Burns for years to come.”

To make a donation for the conservation of a particular item in the collection please contact the Burns 250 team: Burns250@nts.org.uk or tel: UK 0844 493 2113, US: 617 227 7500, Other International: +44 (0)131 278 0424.

For more information on the Burns 250 collection visit: www.nts.org.uk/Burns/Burns250/  

Archaeologists working at a National Trust for Scotland garden in Argyll have found evidence of a monastic settlement dating to the 7th – 9th century AD. The news comes as Crarae Garden prepares to unveil the results of a seven year refurbishment project on Thursday 9 April.

As part of the refurbishment, archaeologists carried out important excavation work at the site, located 10 miles south of Inveraray. There was already evidence that Crarae has been a spiritual place for thousands of years – a Neolithic chambered cairn, Bronze Age burial mound and medieval church and graveyard are all nearby.

The most recent digs discovered that the church site and graveyard were surrounded by a wide ditch and a stone bank, similar to the monastic ‘vallum’ at Iona. Access to the site was via a wooden bridge over the ditch and along a kerbed and paved stone roadway up to the small church in the centre.

Radiocarbon dating suggests that the site dates back to the 7th – 9th century AD, making it contemporary with the Iona structures. Archaeologists also uncovered a possible timber building built in the same period that may have been a blacksmiths.

Derek Alexander, National Trust for Scotland Archaeologist said:

“It is very exciting to discover the remains of a small monastic settlement at Crarae. The surrounding ditch and bank, and the radiocarbon dates when set alongside the placename evidence of ‘Killevin’ and the previous discovery of a 8th- 9th century cross in the graveyard, all point towards an important religious establishment. This was possibly an outlier related to the large early monastery sites on Iona or indeed on Lismore.”

The archaeological work was part of a major programme of re-development at Crarae Garden which began in 2002. Funded by the Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Argyll and Islands Enterprise, the £500,000 project involved cataloguing, mapping and numbering the nationally important plant collection, as well as improving footpaths, bridges and updating the way information about the garden was presented to visitors.

Visitors will now learn about Crarae’s similarity to a Himalayan gorge, with its stunning mix of rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and azaleas. Like a glen in the Himalayas, Crarae has a tranquil and spiritual feel to it and the interpretation is sprinkled with references to elemental forces.

On 9 April, Beechgrove Garden’s Jim McColl is dropping by Crarae Garden to officially declare the refurbishment complete.

Head gardener Nigel Price said:

“We are gearing up for a great season at Crarae this year. Now that our extensive refurbishment is complete, the garden is looking better than ever. We can’t wait to show off our fabulous new look to our visitors in 2009.”

Crarae Garden is open daily all year round. The visitor centre is open daily from 10am until 5pm. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. The event on 9 April gets underway at 11am.  

The next exhibition is being installed at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land on the Royal Mile.

From 7 – 13 April, Keli Clark’s atmospheric landscapes and Edinburgh cityscapes will adorn the walls of the old town art space.

A wide variety of limited edition prints and a selection of her Magic and Mystery pictures and cards will also be available to buy.


 

Ambitious plans to improve the footpath network at some of the National Trust for Scotland’s most wild and beautiful mountain properties will proceed this year, thanks to a generous cash boost from the European Regional Development Fund.

More than £300,000 has been pledged to the Trust to take forward its ‘Mountains for People’ project which aims to restore the damaged ground surrounding paths at Glencoe, Torridon and Goatfell. It is hoped that the £1.3 million project will leave a sustainable path network available for this and future generations of hillwalkers to enjoy.

Thanks to this significant funding boost, which was announced as part of package of funding for the Highlands by First Minister Alex Salmond last week, the generous financial support of other partners including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Mountaineering Trust, and the conservation charity’s own highly successful ‘Sole Trading’ appeal, in excess of £1 million has now been raised, meaning work can now get underway.

Andrew Bachell, Director of Conservation and Projects said:

“Our mountains are truly inspiring and through this project, we hope to ensure that walkers can continue to enjoy the hills for generations to come. Our expert conservation work will not only make some of Scotland’s most stunning high mountain areas accessible, but also reverse years of erosion and damage on these delicate high altitude environments. Without the generous support of our funders, our members and our supporters, this work would not be possible.”

Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham said:

“I would like to congratulate the Trust for their hard work and initiative in securing this funding and bringing forward this important project. Scotland’s mountains are world renowned and a considerable asset in our efforts to attract visitors from home and abroad. It is particularly apt that, in the year of Homecoming, the Trust will be embarking on a major project which enhances access to our wilderness while at the same time preserves and protects it for future generations.”

The National Trust for Scotland maintains 394 miles of mountain paths, many of which are at altitudes over 2500ft at its mountain properties, including Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Mar Lodge Estate, Glencoe, Kintail and on Arran.  

The National Trust for Scotland is suggesting all Scots embrace their heritage during the year of Homecoming by spending time at some of the Trust’s many properties. The call comes as many of the conservation charity’s special places prepare to open to visitors at the start of April.

The charity owns or manages some of Scotland’s most important natural and cultural treasures including 28 castles, palaces and great houses; 12 social and industrial heritage sites; 3 historic burghs; 33 outdoor properties; 16 islands; 76,000 hectares of countryside; 7 national nature reserves and 4 battle sites.

Many of these properties have links to the themes for this year’s Homecoming celebrations too – especially Burns. The charity cares for the Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway which is one of Scotland’s top Burns destinations and includes the cottage where the bard was born 250 years ago and the impressive Burns Monument.

Also on the Burns trail are the Bachelors’ Club, where the young poet learned to dance and became a mason and Souter Johnnie’s Cottage, home of the shoemaker mentioned in the famous poem, ‘Tam o’Shanter’.

And at Alloway, work is already underway to build the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – the Trust’s £21 million project will create a fitting legacy for the bard, bringing alive his life and work for future generations. While this work is underway, key exhibits from the Burns collection are on show to the public at the nearby exhibition in Rozelle House.

Commenting on the eve of the 2009 season, National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“During this year of Homecoming, many Scots at home and abroad will be celebrating our rich heritage. The Trust is privileged to care for some of Scotland’s most wonderful cultural and natural treasures. From grand castles to wild mountainsides there is so much to see and enjoy.



“By spending time at Trust properties, visitors can play their vital part in supporting the continued care and conservation of these places, now and for future generations. Indeed, that support has never been more important to us.”



For more information on Trust properties, opening hours and entry prices, visit www.nts.org.uk.

 

Brodie Castle’s famous daffodils will take centre stage at a major horticultural event in Edinburgh this weekend (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March).

David Wheeler, Head Gardener at Brodie Castle will be exhibiting daffodils from the Brodie Daffodil Collection at the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Show at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.

The Brodie collection plays an important role in the continued breeding of daffodils world-wide - it was largely created at the castle by the 24th Brodie of Brodie, an eminent breeder who produced over 400 varieties in his lifetime.  

Two Fife properties that are being considered for closure or alternative use will open to the public next week.

The National Trust for Scotland conservation charity has announced that Kellie Castle may have to close if its running costs cannot be reduced. However, the charity has now confirmed that the castle will open to the public on Friday 3 April, with its long term future still to be finalised.

The Trust’s Hill of Tarvit Mansion House in Cupar will also open to the public on Thursday 2 April. The Trust is still investigating alternative uses for the house, such as letting it to suitable tenants. A final decision on these plans is expected for later this Spring.

The Trust’s Properties and Visitor Services Director, Michael Hunter said:

“While we have decided to proceed with the opening of both Kellie Castle and Hill of Tarvit, our long term challenges with finances remain. At this stage, we are hopeful that Kellie will open for the full summer season, although we are likely to need more support from volunteers to help us achieve this. At Hill of Tarvit, we are still considering all options.”

Both properties have an attractive Easter planned as they play host to Cadbury’s Easter Egg trails on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April. Families can follow the Easter trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a delicious Cadbury Easter egg. There will be plenty of fun activities for all the family throughout the day including face painting.

At Hill of Tarvit, there will also be a selection of plants for sale on both days and on Sunday, join in the Easter Bonnet Parade from 2.30pm, with prizes for the best decorated egg and bonnet.

As a conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is dependant on the support and contribution of more than 3000 volunteers to carry out its work. If you are interested in volunteering at these local Trust properties, visit www.nts.org.uk/volunteering, or contact Ruth Burgess on 0844 493 2185.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House in Aberdeenshire is getting ready to welcome visitors for the 2009 season from 10 April for pre-booked tours, corporate functions, weddings and other specialist events.

The conservation charity recently announced plans for the William Adam- designed house to become one of the charity’s flagships for specialist events and functions.

Today the Trust confirmed that the house will continue to receive visitors and groups who pre-book their guided tours.

The tearoom and shop will open as usual to serve Haddo House and the adjoining country park. Look out for special offers such as pre-opera dinners and high teas through the season.

Steve Callaghan, Group Manager in the north of Scotland for the Trust’s Buildings and Gardens properties said:

“Haddo House is a treasure of the north east, boasting fine interiors and a fabulous collection. It’s open to visitors and it’s simply a case of calling in advance to book your place on a tour. One of our dedicated and knowledgeable team will then be on hand to guide you around this fascinating and beautiful building. Haddo is one of the most popular places for weddings and corporate functions in the north east.”

Highlights for the 2009 season at Haddo include the Clan Gala Dinner on 18 July to launch Homecoming in the north east. The property will also host the Scottish premiers of two operas, Ae Fond Kiss and Macrobert’s Reply. For opera bookings log on to www.thebooth.co.uk

To pre-book a tour of Haddo House, please call 0844 493 2179.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Ben Lawers Mountain Visitor Centre will not be opening as planned from 1 April.

The Trust will continue to manage this important National Nature Reserve for conservation and access. This includes pioneering work to restore threatened plant communities and management of 32km of upland footpaths.

The nature reserve will continue to offer a programme of guided walks and events (visit www.nts.org.uk or phone 0844 4932136) and self-guiding booklets for the nature trail on the lower slopes are available at the car park.

The conservation charity has been affected by the recession and has no option but to reduce operating costs by reducing the number of properties that run at a loss.

Visitor numbers to the centre have shown a declining trend during recent years and the net cost of operating the existing facilities contributes to the Trust’s operating deficit. Costs of continuing to maintain the aging building are increasing and recent legislative requirements like those relating to the water supply have also added to the financial burden.

A recent review proposed the centre be replaced with an unmanned interpretive facility, more in keeping with the mountain landscape and available for visitors throughout the year. Information on developing alternative visitor facilities will be made available as the project progresses.

Information on Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is available at the Reserve office, Lynedoch, Main Street, Killin.  

Enjoy the first sight of springtime’s most popular flower - the daffodil – at a stunning National Trust for Scotland property in 2009.

The conservation charity has loads of glorious gardens in which to enjoy these cheerful and bright blooms, all across the country. Daffodils can be found from as early as February in some sheltered spots, but March is when they really start to shine.

Brodie Castle, near Forres is lucky to look after a National Collection of daffodils and every spring the gardens come to life in a blaze of all shades of gold. The gardens are open daily.

Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway boasts a massive collection of daffodils, comprising more than 200 varieties of the beautiful bloom. The garden is open daily.

At the House of the Binns, Linlithgow, daffodils surround the historic home of the Dalyell family and are set against the panoramic views over the River Forth. The grounds are open daily.

Angus’ beautiful House of Dun in Montrose is the perfect setting for spotting a host of golden daffodils. The estate boasts a beautiful meandering woodland walk and a re-created Victorian walled garden, open daily.

Crathes Castle, Banchory, Aberdeenshire has an impressive daffodil display in its extensive grounds which are rich in wildlife too. The garden and grounds are open daily.  

A wine bottle thought to date from the late 17th century has been unearthed at the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave estate in Dumfries and Galloway.

Discovered in a ploughed field at Kelton Mains, the bottle had a lucky escape, narrowly avoiding the plough. The dark green bottle is known as a mallet-shaped bottle, because of its similarity to a stone mason’s mallet and was in common use from 1725-1750. However, glass expert, Robin Murdoch, believes this example could be even older, dating from 1675- 1700.

Trust archaeologist Derek Alexander, who made the discovery, explained that the bottle probably had a long journey before turning up in a field in South Scotland. He said:

“The bottle is likely to have been imported to Scotland and probably arrived at Kirkcudbright full of port from Portugal. Once drunk, the bottle would have been re-used as a container for decanting wine, beer or spirits into from barrels – an early example of recycling.”

The bottle seems to have been included within group of stones, possibly collected during ploughing and used to infill a wetter part of the field. This would probably have occurred during the major agricultural improvements in the 18th century which is also when Kelton Mains House was built.

Other finds from the ploughed field included two pieces of prehistoric worked flint.  

The cottage in Alloway where Robert Burns was born is open to the public and not, as some media reports suggest, closed for a year.

The iconic cottage will only close in October 2009 whilst re-interpretation work is carried out and re-opened in November 2009.

The old museum and education facility, situated close to the cottage, is where the Burns collection is currently located. As part of the National Trust for Scotland’s project this building will become a new Education Pavilion for schools. It closes in March 2009 to enable work to begin on the building in April 2009.

Part of the Burns collection is currently on show to the public at the nearby exhibition in Rozelle House in Alloway and the remainder of the collection will be carefully stored whilst the major project work is carried out and the new museum is opened as planned next year.

The new museum is being built on what is currently the large car park area of the Tam O’Shanter Experience building (a shop and restaurant) and will be completed in the summer of 2010.

This schedule has been promoted through the media for many months.

* Temporary exhibition of Burns treasures, A Star is Born: Robert Burns and Alloway, at Rozelle House Art Gallery and Museum – January 26 to Easter 2010.
* Closure of old museum – March 2009
* Renovation of old museum and conversion to Education Pavilion – April to November 2009.
* Reinterpretation of Burns Cottage – October to November 2009.
* Relandscaping of Burns Cottage site and building of new entrance kiosk – April to November 2009.
* Reinterpretation of Burns Monument, Brig O’Doon, Alloway Auld Kirk and the Link Walkway – September 2009 to summer 2010.
* Construction of new museum – January 2009 to summer 2010.
* Demolition of Tam O’Shanter Experience – summer/autumn 2010.
* Opening of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – summer 2010.
 

The National Trust for Scotland today proposed changes to eleven of its 130 built or countryside properties in light of yesterday’s announcement of cost saving measures.

The charity proposes to make changes to, and in some cases have alternative uses for, these loss-making visited properties in 2009/10 which it is anticipated may result in closure, or partial closure, to the general public for some, unless alternative funding can be secured.


The properties it is anticipated may be affected are David Livingstone Centre, Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, Kellie Castle, Leith Hall, Hutchesons’ Hall, Haddo House,
Barry Mill, Hugh Miller’s Cottage, Arduaine, Inveresk Garden and Ben Lawers Mountain Visitor Centre.

The Trust anticipates that it will no longer manage the David Livingstone Centre which will be returned to its Trustees unless the full deficit of the property is funded externally. It is proposed to close the Hill of Tarvit Mansion House in Fife and let the property to a suitable tenant. However the gardens and estate would be maintained and remain open to the public.

The Trust proposes the closure to visitors of Leith Hall House and the conversion of the property into permanent residential use to meet the cost of managing the estate and garden, which will remain open to the public.

External funding or sponsorship will be sought for Barry Mill in Angus. However if this is not achieved, the charity anticipates that it will be closed. Similarly, alternative ways of funding Hugh Miller’s Cottage in Cromarty will be examined to avoid closure.

It is also proposed that in the future Kellie Castle in Fife be operated by local volunteers if the castle’s deficit can be resolved. If this cannot be achieved the Trust anticipates the closure of the castle to visitors, with the gardens remaining open to the public.

Amongst the Trust’s countryside and garden properties, it is proposed to close Arduaine and Inveresk Garden and the Mountain Visitor Centre at Ben Lawers. The charity has proposed that Haddo House changes focus to specialise solely on functions, events and pre-booked tours. The shop, tearoom and gardens would remain open to the public, in conjunction with the country park. Finally it is anticipated that Hutchesons’ Hall in Glasgow will be let to a suitable long term tenant.

Commenting on today’s proposals, Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland said,

“We are making some difficult decisions today about some of our properties that are making a loss as part of our overall cost saving programme.

“We will make every effort to work with our staff and external partners to minimise the changes to these properties. Our members and supporters can rest assured that we will only propose closure, or in the case of the David Livingstone Centre, relinquish management of a property, if it is absolutely necessary.

“However the Trust is firm in its belief that doing nothing about the affects of the economic downturn is simply not an option.”  

Like many organisations, the National Trust for Scotland, which relies on support from its visitors, donors and members, has been affected by the current economic climate.
Consequently it is faced with reducing its staffing levels to help ensure the charity is best placed to deliver its new Strategic Plan for 2009 and beyond.

We have informed our staff today that cost saving measures, including likely job losses, are required across the whole organisation.

As many reductions as possible will be sought through natural wastage and a voluntary redundancy programme. However it is anticipated there may be in the region of 91 full time posts lost in 2009/10, with recruitment of new seasonal staff at the Trust’s properties put on hold whilst a reduction of overall seasonal hours is achieved.

A staff consultation period will begin next week and will include regular meetings with Prospect. The union has been kept fully informed about developments over the past weeks and months.

It is anticipated that all parts of the charity will be streamlined, including changes to some loss-making properties.

Summing up the Trust’s current challenges and today’s announcement, Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“Like most organisations the Trust has been considerably affected by the recession and we accept we have to respond to the economic conditions by making these cost savings.

“Inevitably this includes reducing our staffing levels and doing everything we can to ensure the charity is more efficient if we are to have a sustainable future.

“Today’s proposed job losses are very regrettable but as staffing accounts for 50% of our operating expenditure, we must inevitably face the prospect of redundancies.

“Whilst we have taken some very difficult decisions, we are convinced that this is the right thing to do to secure the long term viability of the Trust.”

Information on how some of the Trust’s properties will be affected will be communicated on Friday 6 March.  

The National Trust for Scotland welcomed today’s announcement by the UK government of £25 million of measures over five years to combat the plant diseases Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae, sometimes known as Sudden Oak Death, in England and Wales and called on the Scottish Government to follow Westminster’s example.

The plant diseases, which have already affected several gardens in Scotland and across the UK, require greater Scottish Government action now if there is to be any realistic chance of controlling the problem and preventing further damage to important Scottish gardens, landscapes and habitats. These diseases are fatal to many native and garden plants and could cause massive damage to some of our historic gardens.

DEFRA’s funding decision today follows their consultation last year on the disease, when the National Trust for Scotland called for much greater resources and a properly coordinated approach to tackle the problem.

For their part, the Scottish Government carried out a similar consultation and has indicated it supports doing more to tackle the disease but, disappointingly, it has yet to follow DEFRA’s example and announce any major initiatives aimed at achieving this, backed by a ring-fenced budget or new funding.

The Trust is concerned that if Scotland does not follow Westminster’s example in efforts to eradicate the disease, the problem will continue to spread and any benefit from DEFRA’s work could be limited, were the disease to become rife in Scotland and spread south.

Andrew Bachell, Director of Conservation Services and Projects at the National Trust for Scotland said:

“We commend DEFRA’s funding commitment for England and Wales but we are increasingly concerned that the Scottish Government is being too slow to act to help eradicate this disease.

‘’Phytophthora is now in several of the Trust’s West Coast properties and who knows where else in Scotland and the time to act is now. As a charity, we are putting a great deal of our limited resources into tackling this problem at some of our properties and we are working with the Scottish Government inspectors but they need to offer greater support.

‘’This disease could have a very serious impact on Scotland’s gardens and natural heritage and this could easily undermine the benefits of tourism and access. There needs to be a consistent approach across the UK as this disease knows no boundaries.”
 

Black grouse are set to make a comeback on Arran thanks to a team effort, involving the Arran Black Grouse Group, the National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Arran Natural History Society.

Last weekend, fourteen pairs of black grouse arrived on Arran and it is hoped that the birds will reinstate the once booming population of black grouse on the island.

Historically, the black grouse received special protection in Arran. In 1703 in the book, “A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland”, author M. Martin states that: “The blackcock is not allowed to be killed here without a permit; the transgressors are liable to a fine.”

This changed and in the nineteenth century large numbers were being shot. Until the 1950s, the black grouse was a common breeding species and was well distributed throughout the island. However, numbers continued to fall, and the last record was a single female in High Glen Cloy on 18 February 2000.

This decline was happening in almost all of western and central European countries, with black grouse numbers starting to fall in the latter half of the 19th century, accelerating over 1970 - 1990. In Britain, surveys carried out by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Game Conservancy Trust (GCT) and Forest Enterprise (FE) show that the UK black grouse population fell from around 25,000 males in the early 1990s to an estimated 6,510 males in 1995/6.

The main reasons thought to have contributed to the decline of black grouse include loss of habitat through intensive sheep grazing, agricultural improvements and changes in agricultural practices; and increased numbers of predators such as foxes, especially where black grouse numbers are already low.

National Trust for Scotland Senior Ranger, Kate Sampson said:

“It is great to see the black grouse finally arrive on Arran – this follows 8 years of planning and hard work by the Arran Black Grouse Group, supported by essential funding from the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage - as well as generous donations from local businesses and individuals from Arran.

“We will now keep the females and few of the males in specially-designed pens intended to mimic natural habitat and reduce stress levels so that the birds can breed in safety this year. The chicks will then be released into the wild, where we hope they will flourish once again.”

Conservation experts will release a few unattached males in the next few weeks to enable them to set up territories and prepare for females who will be released later in the year.
 

Some of the National Trust for Scotland’s most popular properties are opening their doors for the visitor season in the next few days.

The Tenement House in Glasgow is taking off the dust covers in advance of re-opening on Sunday 1 March, while the impressive interiors at Falkland Palace near Cupar and the Georgian House in Edinburgh are ready to receive guests once again from Monday 2 March. Bannockburn Heritage Centre also re-opens on 2 March.

Most of the Trust’s properties are preparing to open from 1 April this year.

For further details and event information for all Trust properties, visit www.nts.org.uk/visit.
 

Kittiwakes could be on course to disappear from some of Scotland’s most important seabird colonies if current trends continue, according to conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland.

The news comes as the Scottish Parliament prepares for a member’s debate on seabirds, led by Nanette Milne MSP on Wednesday 25 February, which highlights concerns for the future of Scotland’s seabirds. Almost a fifth of all the seabirds in Scotland breed on National Trust for Scotland properties.

Since the mid-1980s, kittiwakes have been in decline at Trust colonies including World Heritage Site, St Kilda and Fair Isle in the Shetland Isles. At another Trust property - St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve in Berwickshire, the population has dropped from in excess of 19,000 in 1989 to just over 5000 in 2008.

Monitoring on Canna and on Mingulay also found that kittiwakes struggled to breed successfully in 2008.

It is believed that the dramatic drop in population could be down to changes in the food supply, possibly connected to changing climate. A decline in the kittiwake’s preferred foodstuff - sandeels – has been traced to warming seas off Scotland’s east coast. Other studies have linked the breeding failure to attempts to feed on snake pipefish, which cannot be easily digested by kittiwake chicks.

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

“Seabird populations do fluctuate a great deal and it can be hard to draw firm conclusions, but we are certainly concerned by our kittiwake populations. Like many other seabirds, kittiwakes are long-lived, so a few bad breeding seasons might not be catastrophic in the long term. However, sustained seasons of poor breeding are bad news for the survival of this seabird.

“It is difficult to identify the precise causes of population decline but the evidence points towards changes in the food supply. Although the pipefish were less in evidence in 2008, breeding success was still very low with many parents failing to lay eggs at all. There is clearly much more work required if we are to understand this complex picture. Kittiwakes are a much-loved feature of our coastal cliffs but if these trends continue their evocative cries may be consigned to folk-memory.”

Balmacara, Canna, Culzean, Fair Isle, Iona, Mingulay, Montrose Basin, Murray Isles, Rockcliffe, Staffa, St Abb’s, St Kilda and Unst are home to over a million breeding seabirds including gannets, kittiwakes, manx shearwaters and puffins. For further details, visit www.nts-seabirds.org.uk.  

A humpback whale stopped in at St Abb's Harbour last week for the first time ever.

The whale was spotted on the morning of Sunday 15 February. It hung around for 5 minutes or so. That was long enough for a small audience of locals to enjoy seeing it lift its tail fluke out of the water and roll on its side and slap a fin on the surface - all common behaviour for humpbacks.

Luckily one local, Dave Robson, was able to get some photos of the spectacle too.

Liza Cole, National Trust for Scotland Ranger for the Reserve said:

“It’s almost as if the sealife knows that this is our Silver Jubilee year. We have had two new records for the Reserve since the year began which only goes to highlight what an important place the Berwickshire coast is for marine wildlife.”
 

Sixteen and seventeen year olds who want to do their bit for the environment over the holidays in 2009 could still find a spot on a National Trust for Scotland’s Trailblazer camp.

Trailblazers are a holiday with a difference – they give teenagers the chance to experience conservation work first-hand in some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote locations.

This year, week-long camps will take place at six of the Trust’s most spectacular countryside properties - Ben Lomond and Ben Lawers in Stirlingshire, Brodick on Arran, Glencoe and Kintail in the West Highlands and Mar Lodge, Aberdeenshire, throughout July, August and October.

Young people will be supervised in projects to improve the properties, getting the chance to get their hands dirty with fence-building, footpath maintenance and dry-stane dyking.

Violet Dalton, Head of Volunteering said:

“Young people are amongst our most powerful advocates for the environment and our Trailblazer camps are very popular with those who want to do their bit for conservation. It’s not all hard work though – the teenagers have a lot of fun too – and they get to spend time in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Maybe that’s why we’re seeing an increase in the number of international visitors signing up for 2009.”

For more information on Trailblazers, visit www.nts.org.uk/ThistleCamps  

The National Trust for Scotland’s recently revamped Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre is celebrating success as a top-quality visitor attraction today.

Chairman of VisitScotland, Peter Lederer, CBE, visited the Highland centre to hand over a coveted award confirming its status as a five star tourist attraction.

The £9.5 million redevelopment of the visitor centre and the restoration of the battlefield is one of the biggest ever projects undertaken by the conservation charity.

The VisitScotland team who visited Culloden in November 2008, said the way the exhibition is presented to visitors is outstanding and makes complex history easy to understand at various levels. The hospitality and service of staff was also highly praised, as was the building.

Since opening to the public in December 2007, the centre which was designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects has welcomed close to 140,000 visitors. The centre houses a state-of-the-art exhibition which provides visitors with a vivid account of the battle, the people involved and aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding the battle.

Property manager Deirdre Smyth said:

“The team at Culloden are very proud of what has been achieved here. The new visitor centre and the changes to the battlefield really bring the battle to life for visitors.

“This award is confirmation of the high quality experience that we offer at Culloden and we are proud to represent an event which was so significant in Scottish history to such a high standard. Culloden is becoming a must-visit destination for visitors from across Scotland and beyond and we look forward to welcoming many thousands more.”

VisitScotland’s Chairman, Peter Lederer, said:

“I would like to congratulate all those who have worked hard to achieve the 5-star Quality Assurance award as it really does celebrate the first-class standards visitors can expect during a trip to Culloden. The Highlands, with its rich history, beautiful scenery and variety of things to see and do, is already a must-see destination but the new centre enhances the visitor experience further. This is indeed a site which boasts quality throughout, a factor which is increasingly important throughout the industry, and I look forward to its continued success.”

Since its opening, Culloden has attracted accolades and commendations from a wide range of sources, including taking top prize in the ‘Use of Technology’ category at the prestigious Museums and Heritage Awards in May 2008 for its innovative battlefield guides. The centre also attained gold level in the Green Tourism Business Awards. Recently, an influential All Party Group at Westminster commended the site for its high archaeological standards.  

One of Scotland’s foremost wetland sites, the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate in Dumfriesshire welcomed an unusual visitor last week – a juvenile sea eagle.

The west coast estate sees its fair share of feathered visitors through the winter months, but this is thought to be the first sighting of the rare bird of prey in the area.

It was spotted by local farmer, Jim Ramsey, who quickly contacted Trust Senior Ranger, Karl Munday to confirm the identification. Karl said:

“At one point the bird flew straight over the top of us, at not more than 30ft, giving amazingly close views. We could hear the wind with each downward beat of its huge wings - an absolutely unforgettable experience.”

Enquiries by Trust conservation staff confirmed that the bird is from the East Coast Sea Eagle Project, a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and FCS (Forestry Commission Scotland). Through the five-year project, 20 chicks are brought to Scotland each year from Norway.

The young female had also been spotted in Stirlingshire and Cumbria before making its journey to Dumfries and Galloway.

Sea eagle facts:

• The sea eagle is Scotland’s largest bird of prey, and is the world’s fourth largest.
• It has wide rectangular-shaped wings and a wingspan of over 8 feet.
• A female sea eagle weighs around 9kg.
• There are currently around 42 breeding pairs on the west coast of Scotland.
• Sea eagles take around five years to acquire their adult plumage and notable white tail.
• They do not breed until they are 5 or 6 years old and can live for more than 20 years.
 

The National Trust for Scotland is offering lovers the chance to send anonymous romantic lines of Burns’ poetry, as part of its latest push to raise funds for the ambitious new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

Lucky Valentines who receive a line of poetry via email can find out the identity of the secret admirer who sent the poem – if they donate to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

The donation will also give them an option to have their name put on a donations scroll, which will be displayed in the new museum when it opens in summer 2010.

The romantic gesture is taking place to mark the Trust’s latest direct mail campaign, which is being sent to homes across the UK, offering them the chance to be engaged in fundraising for Burns.

The new £21 million, 1600m² museum building will provide a first class exhibition space for the priceless Burns collections, and will provide visitors of all ages with an opportunity to be inspired by the bard’s life and work.

Budding romantics who want to send a line of poetry should send an email to LoveBurns@nts.org.uk with the email address they wish to send to and the name of the person who will receive it.

Trust Chairperson, Shonaig Macpherson said:

“Burns wrote some of the most romantic poetry the world has ever seen, so it’s only fitting that we tie in to Valentine’s Day as I’m sure plenty of people will be looking at his work for inspiration over the next few days.

“With the option of finding out who sends a mystery Valentine as well, there’s an opportunity to make a contribution to our wonderful new museum which will honour a man who is well known for his romantic nature. We are pleased with the level of support and interest that our ambitious project in Alloway is attracting and will be taking a range of innovative approaches to our fundraising to get as many people involved as we can.”

Recipients can also choose to make a donation and not learn who made the donation, if they wish to preserve the mystery.

Royal Mail was used to send the direct mailing service and they also recently issued a new Burns’ stamp.

Ian McKay, Director of Scottish Affairs with Royal Mail Group said:

“Royal Mail recently featured the Burns Cottage in the new Burns stamps which were recently issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Bard. The new stamps have generated considerable interest amongst Burns fans around the world.

“Burns was a prodigious writer of love letters and his poetry will undoubtedly feature in many of the cards which Royal Mail delivers this year. Our mailbags are always extra heavy on Valentine’s Day and our staff work extremely hard to deliver cards and gifts to households all over Scotland.”

Only one email can be sent per email address and any email addresses considered inappropriate will not be forwarded.

A sample of Burns’ letters sent throughout his life can be viewed at www.burnsletters.wordpress.com

For other fundraising details, please visit www.nts.org.uk/Burns/CelebrateBurns/
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Pollok House has the perfect wedding package for budget-conscious couples – a spectacular setting at a sensible price.

The magnificent historic house is now offering a civil ceremony package for just £1500.

This includes a civil ceremony held in the elegant pavilion library, under the gaze of two El Greco masterpieces, a champagne reception with canapés and the opportunity to have Pollok House as a fabulous background for photographs, offering both grand interiors and lavish formal gardens. The couple would then move on to an alternative venue for their evening reception.

A typical exclusive wedding for up to seventy five guests at Pollok House costs between £5000 and £8000.

The magnificent historic house is a real gem, hidden away in a wooded country park, close to the world-famous Burrell Collection, just a few miles from Glasgow city centre.

This 18th-century building, once home to the Maxwell family, was extended around 1900, and is now regarded as one of Scotland’s grandest Edwardian country houses.

Rebecca Wakeford, National Hospitality Coordinator, said:

“In a slowing economy, the National Trust for Scotland offers fantastic value for money. What’s more, by choosing a Trust venue you will also be helping Scotland’s largest conservation charity protect the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy.

“No matter which option a couple chooses, they and their guests will enjoy a first class venue, careful attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring this day is everything they dreamed it would be.”

For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2613.  

Every place on the National Trust for Scotland’s massively popular volunteer holidays - Thistle Camps – has been snapped up for 2009, just four weeks after bookings opened.

This year, the conservation charity increased the number of places and camps to help cope with the high demand to take part in the holidays which give volunteers the chance to get involved in hands-on conservation work at some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote locations from Grey Mare’s Tail in Dumfries-shire to Fair Isle in Shetland.

Bookings for the Thistle Camps have now closed, with more than 350 people getting a place. Around 200 potential campers have been added to a waiting list to take up any places that become available over the next few months.

Some of the new additions for the 2009 programme include the chance to try out dry-stane dyking at Culloden, fence-building at Ben Lomond and archaeology at St Abbs.

Violet Dalton, Head of Volunteering said:

“The popularity of our Thistle Camps just keeps on growing. This is great news for the charity, as every year the hundreds of hours of work put in at camps makes a massive contribution to our conservation work. The range of work and locations for the camps this year is wider than ever and we know they offer really wonderful experiences. If you are interested in coming on a camp in 2009, then it’s really worthwhile adding yourself to the waiting list.”

To join the waiting list, visit www.thistlecamps.org.uk and fill in an application form for the relevant camp online.  

St Kildan puffling chicks will be rescued in safety and comfort this summer, thanks to an overwhelming response to a request for volunteers to sew up rescue sacks from conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland.

Following the appeal in late December, more than 80 offers of help came flooding in from as far a field as Australia and Thailand. Now, Property Manager Susan Bain has over 100 high quality bags to see her through the next few summer seasons.

The charity asked volunteers to sew simple cotton bags measuring 25 x 30 cm, with a drawstring top, so that ranger staff could safely transport pufflings, who become confused by lights from the buildings on the island and end up inland, instead of out at sea. Ranger staff rescue them by placing them in these bags to keep them safe, take them to the coast and release them out to sea.

St Kilda Property Manager, Susan Bain said:

“We have been astonished by the response to our call for help. Thanks so much to everyone who has donated their time and expertise to ensuring that our puffling chicks on St Kilda are safely transported back to the coast when they get a bit lost.

“The whole effort is a great example of the power of the volunteer, which as a conservation charity, we are so dependant on as we carry out our important work to preserve and protect.

“With the response so far, it seems we’ll have plenty of bags to keep us going on St Kilda for quite sometime and we’ll be able to help out some of the Trust’s other seabird colonies who have similar issues. I’ve also taken the opportunity to ask for some bags in different sizes for other species too.”
 

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland has today offered tips to householders on tackling pests such as clothes moths, as the Trust unveils its own plans to wage war on insects that damage historic textiles, paper and furniture.

Conservation experts report that clothes moths and carpet beetles are on the increase, not just in historic houses and museums, but also in homes across Scotland. Warmer wetter weather and central heating mean that pests are surviving through winter to ravage clothes and furniture all year round.

The most common insects found at Trust properties are the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum). The charity is launching its plan today to tackle the increasing numbers of these beasties at its historic properties, but is also taking the opportunity to provide five top tips to householders who are struggling to stop moths from devouring their jumpers.

Head of Collections Conservation Services, Clare Meredith explains:

“In recent years, many of us have seen more and more moths in our homes. Well, that applies to Trust properties too. There’s no doubt that pests are on the increase, partly due to changing weather patterns. We also know from experts south of the border that some problematic insects, such as the varied carpet beetle and the vodka beetle, are heading north.

“This is worrying news for a heritage organisation that cares for some of Scotland’s most important textile, furniture and book collections, so we are taking action now to ensure these treasures are correctly cared for and survive intact for future generations.”

The Trust’s top tips to keeping homes (and castles) pest-free are:

1. Clean, clean and clean again: some insects such as clothes moths can even survive off the moisture they gather from dust. Don’t let dust collect.

2. Stay alert: check dark corners as many pests, including furniture beetles (woodworm), don’t like the light and live in crevices and cracks and behind drawers in furniture

3. Cause a riot! Vacuuming and shaking carpets will give clothes moths their marching orders.

4. Seal up storage: wrap your freshly cleaned woollen jumpers in plastic bags when putting them into storage and use airtight containers where you can.

5. Let rooms breathe and keep well ventilated: furniture beetle (woodworm) and mould flourish in warm humid conditions, so aim to keep rooms dry and cool.

The conservation charity has published guidance for its staff on tackling pests in its own historic properties, based on conservation best practice.

Collections conservation intern Mel Houston who has produced the guidance for the Trust said:

“The Trust cares for a huge range of historic textiles, books and furniture presented on open display. This means we must have our own house in order, when it comes to tackling pests. Our new programme will ensure that we take a meticulous approach to housekeeping to keep the bugs at bay, and sets out clear steps to take when infestations are detected so that we can prevent their spread and further damage to our important collections.”  

A National Trust for Scotland survey failed to find any Ptarmigan on Goatfell and the Arran mountains – its most southerly outpost – prompting fears that the bird is no longer breeding there.

The conservation charity studied areas on its mountainous estates of Goatfell, Ben Lomond, Ben Lawers and Mar Lodge, with some specialist advice from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), throughout 2008 to establish the population patterns of Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus).

Worryingly, there were no signs of breeding Ptarmigan on Arran during the course of intensive surveys, sometimes involving up to 15 conservation experts and volunteers.

The Ptarmigan population on Arran has fluctuated in the past - a survey in 1981 confirmed 28 birds, however, information from the late 1960s suggested a similar situation to 2008 - if the birds are present at all, there are very few of them.

The findings suggest that Ben Lomond could possibly now host the most southerly breeding population in Scotland.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Adviser at the Trust said:

“Ptarmigan were found to be breeding on most of our mountains, which is good news. However, on Arran, very intensive survey work, sometimes with dogs, found no live bird sightings. The public have reported the odd sighting so we know they are still on Arran but whether they bred in 2008 is another matter. This is a marked change from 1981, when 28 birds, including chicks, were seen in one season.

“Ben Lomond and Goatfell are excellent places to see if changing weather patterns will affect the Ptarmigan. If predictions about climate change are correct, it is possible that the birds may disappear from Ben Lomond over the coming years.”

Concern over the long-term fate of the Ptarmigan population in many upland locations due to the possible effects of climate change and changes in land management led the Trust to seriously consider a long term plan to closely monitor the Ptarmigan and other upland birds on its mountain properties.

The reasons for the changes will be the subject of further monitoring and examination by the Trust and conservation experts are working with the BTO to develop the best methods for doing this important work.

Lindsay Mackinlay explained:

“We know that Ptarmigan populations can be cyclical but sightings of this hardy bird have been few and far between on Arran, and especially Goatfell, for a number of years now. This change could be down to a number of factors; it could be part of a long-term natural cycle and we’re in a trough at the moment or it could be something more serious relating to the health of the mountains or even a changing climate. We need to do more work on Arran to understand what is going on.

“We hope that more birds will be seen on Arran in the future and we would ask anyone walking on Arran, Ben Lomond or any of the Trust’s mountains to get in touch with us this year if you do see Ptarmigan. Such information is essential if we are to get to grips with what is going on with our Ptarmigan.”
The survey ran from April 2008 until the end of September 2008.

The survey information for each area is as follows:

Goatfell – No birds found during surveys; a member of the public saw one bird; a few field signs.
Ben Lomond – 2-3 pairs of birds, with young seen; many field signs.
Ben Lawers – 8 pairs, with young seen; many field signs.
Mar Lodge – Over 70 birds (including young) seen in July, and over 30 birds in Sept.
Kintail – 14 records of birds in 2008.  

A series of podcasts designed to bring the treasures of the National Trust for Scotland to technophiles all over the world have been downloaded more than 10,000 times.

The free digital downloads feature the full array of Trust properties, from Glencoe’s stunning mountain vistas to the fascinating history of the Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife, and the chance to try out as a printer’s apprentice at the Robert Smail’s Printworks in Innerleithen.

More than 2400 hours of content have been viewed from www.nts.org.uk – the equivalent of 100 days of back to back viewing for the popular podcasts.

Attracting fans from across the globe, the Dunkeld and Hermitage walk is the most popular podcast, with close to 2000 hits. Property Manager Ben Notley takes visitors on a tour of the picturesque town of Dunkeld, before heading on a woodland walk to Ossian’s Hall.

Henk Berits, Director of Commercial Services and Marketing said:

“New technology is really opening doors for the Trust, helping to take the story of our treasures to a whole new audience, at home and abroad too. Our podcasts have been a huge success and we are keen to make the most of the opportunities that new media present for the Trust, in improving the way we engage with members and the public, helping the charity raise funds and the possibilities for our educational work are exciting too.”

Download the podcasts at www.nts.org.uk/multimedia.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Pollok House, only a few miles from Glasgow city centre, is offering visitors the chance to get arty at fortnightly art classes from the end of January.

Whether you are a creative amateur or a fully-fledged artist there is something for everyone, with classes for adults and an Arty-Farty Club for the kids to have fun and learning something new.

Pollok House boasts a magnificent art collection, including works by Blake, Goya and El Greco, so there are plenty of sources of artistic inspiration.

Alison Burke, Learning Officer at Pollok House said:

“The fortnightly adult classes are designed to inspire and cover a range of techniques from collective painting to the study of watercolour.

"The Arty-Farty Club encourages kids to approach art in new and exciting ways while having fun.”

The first adult class is on 30 January, 11.00 to 14.00 and costs £10 (including materials). The Arty-Farty Club starts on 1 February, 12.00 to 14.00 and costs £5 (including materials).

For booking information and details of all the classes visit www.nts.org.uk or contact Pollok House on 0844 493 2202.  

The Alloway Burns Club was at the centre of activity on 25 January, to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Thousands of Burns Suppers were held around the world to pay tribute to Scotland’s bard.

In Alloway, a festival atmosphere spread throughout the town with historical street theatre and accoustic music adding to the revelry of recitals and performances at the National Trust for Scotland’s Burns Cottage, the Auld Kirk, Monument, the church and Brig O’Doon.

There was a performance on Sunday in the Burns Cottage re-enacting the moments after Burns birth, and a birthday party with children from local primary schools who presented Robert Burns with a birthday cake while singing Happy Birthday. The cake is now being raffled to raise funds for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (RBBM).

The Trust’s Alloway team worked around the clock to make the celebrations a memorable event for visitors, ensuring the success of one of the busiest events of the year at Burns National Heritage Park.

You can donate to the RBBM here www.nts.org.uk/Burns/CelebrateBurns/.  

World-famous Scottish biscuit company Tunnock’s has donated a substantial five-figure sum to conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland for their new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum after it was revealed company Managing Director Boyd Tunnock and his grandson Colin, 23, share the same birthday as Scotland’s most famous poet.

Boyd, 75, was more than happy to donate to the new £21million, 1600m² museum which will provide space for the country’s leading Burns collection, bringing the bard’s life and works to life for visitors. The museum is scheduled to open in Summer 2010 and the Trust is currently raising the last £3.8million required to fully realise the project.

Tunnock’s are renowned across the globe for their teacakes, caramel wafers and snowballs, with the biscuits being top sellers in 37 countries from America to the Far East.

For Boyd, a keen Burns enthusiast and grandson of the company’s founder Thomas Tunnock, there was no question over Tunnock’s involvement with the museum.

Boyd Tunnock said:

“I have been a keen Burns fan since an early age and my grandson Colin was registered as a member of our local Burns club, the Bridgeton Burns Club, when he was just a couple of hours old.

“It’s not just because we share a birthday – though that certainly is nice – a proper Burns Supper is a fantastic event to behold as his words are so powerful. We’re delighted to help more people learn about Burns and his work for decades to come.

“The museum looks as if it is going to be an incredible legacy for Burns and I’m sure Colin and I will be down there visiting once it opens next year – and I might even drive down in the old Tunnock’s van that we still use for special events.

“The donation is a nice birthday present to give – not just to Burns, but also for Colin, as we are a family keen on Burns.”

Trust Chairman Shonaig Macpherson said:

“Tunnock’s is also one of our Scottish icons and I thank Boyd and the company for their incredibly generous donation.

“Companies and individuals are coming forward with funds, realising the value of being associated with the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the importance of ensuring the legacy of Burns is preserved for generations to come.”

Celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns and the beginning of the year of Homecoming get underway this weekend.

And in tribute to the donation, Trust staff have come up with a play on two of Burns most popular works…

Address to a Snowball
Fair fa' coconut sprinkled face,
Great chieftain o the teacake-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
mallow, choc, or cream:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang's my arm.


Ode to a Teacake
Wee, mallow, rounded, choccy biccy,
O, what a panic's in my tummy!
One needs tae eat ye hasty
Wi bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin oot of thee,
An hae to eat a tattie.
 

The National Trust f