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.
 

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.
 

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)