NEWS

The National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle, garden and estate in Aberdeenshire is helping young children learn more about our feathered friends this April.

Busy Birds on Wed 7 April

Birds are very busy at this time of year. What do they get up to in Spring? Join us for birds games and feathered fun. This event is suitable for children aged between 5 and 12 years old.
Booking is essential, phone 0844 493 2167.






 

Trust staff are determined that the eggciting Easter activities planned for this weekend will go ahead, despite the unseasonal weather.

Marketing Manager Carly Lamberty said:
"We won't let the weather spoil our fun this Easter! Many trails are taking place inside properties, so no matter what happens with the weather, there's plenty happening across the Trust to make sure this is another cracking Easter."  

Chefs taking part in the fifth series of Great British Menu are being challenged to source ingredients in and around some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote National Trust for Scotland properties. The series kicks off with a double bill at 18.00 on Tuesday 6 April on BBC Two Daytime.

Kellie Castle and Garden in Fife, the House of Dun in Angus and Balmacara Estate in Highland all feature in the episodes of the 45 part series which will follow 24 chefs from around the UK as they unearth the very finest produce from the farms, gardens and neighbourhoods surrounding theses stunning Trust locations.
After putting their culinary skills to the test in the kitchen, each dish will be judged daily by a former Great British Menu champion.
In a new twist, the chef with the least number of points on Thursday will be eliminated from the competition, and only two chefs will go through to the Friday cook-off for the three Great British Menu judges, food experts Matthew Fort, Prue Leith and Oliver Peyton.
The eight regional winning chefs will compete in the final round, to create a magnificent British meal that the judges consider fitting for the finale banquet.

The nation’s long-time advocate of local, seasonal food and Patron of the National Trust for Scotland, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, will be joined by The Duchess of Cornwall for the banquet and the guest list will be comprised of the nation’s best food producers, farmers and fisherman, the people who toil to put the finest local British produce on the map.

The Trust’s National Hospitality, Travel Trade and Catering Manager, Pietro Cecchini said:

“Scotland has some of the finest produce available in the UK, so we are very excited to see the dishes that these talented chefs have been able to create with food sourced in and near our properties.”
Gary Broadhurst, Executive Producer at programme makers, Optomen commented: “This year’s series will be really exciting. The added challenge of each chef having a Trust property as a starting point for inspiration for their dishes, really forces them to step outside their comfort zone. They’ve had to unearth new suppliers and pull on all their creative talent to deliver a menu that is a true celebration of the very best local ingredients. With three chefs battling it out for each region, the pressure is on and they are all determined to win and get a dish through to the final banquet.”
 

This Easter, the National Trust for Scotland’s Burns National Heritage Park, Alloway has a fortnight of great fun lined up for all the family … even the pets!

On Easter Monday, visitors are invited to enter their pooches into the first ever Tousie Tyke of Alloway competition, a Burns inspired dog show paying tribute to Burns’s tale of ‘The Twa Dugs’.

The Easter activities kick off on Saturday 3 April 2010, from 10am to 4pm, when children can visit Burns Cottage to meet the lambs, chickens and quails before meeting local heavy horses Pat and Tyde who will be getting their new shoes at midday. Families can also take part in the Cadbury Easter Egg Trail around Burns National Heritage Park.

On Easter Sunday, there’s plenty of egg-tastic activities planned from 10.00 – 16.00 including an Easter Egg Hunt which starts at 12.30, egg painting, wagon rides with Pat and Tyde and egg rolling down the Brig o’Doon.

Families are invited to bring their canine companions along to Burns Cottage at 15.00 on Easter Monday where the Cadbury’s mascot Feathers the chicken will be judging the dog show which is based on Burn’s poem about Luath the shaggy, talkative dog and Cesar – the exotic pedigree. The dogs will be competing for a prize rosette and the glory of being named the Tousie Tyke of Alloway 2010.

The Tousie Tyke of Alloway competition will be the highlight of Easter Monday at Burns Cottage but the little (and big!) ones can also take part in the Cadbury Easter Egg Trail, make tim’rous beastie bonnets and enjoy wagon rides with Pat and Clyde.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays over the next fortnight (6, 8, 13 and 15 April 2010) Burns National Heritage Park will be running Children’s Easter Arts and Crafts Workshops between 10.30 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 15.30 for children aged from 6 to 12 to encourage young minds to get creative over the Easter break. Places are limited and should be booked in advance by calling 01292 443700.
 

An ambitious programme of tree planting is underway at the National Trust for Scotland’s Inverewe Garden in Poolewe, designed to protect the glorious garden from the violent storms that will lash the West Coast over the coming century.

Inverewe Garden was hewn from windswept moorland next to Loch Ewe by intrepid gardener Osgood Mackenzie between 1862 and the 1920s and was bequeathed to the conservation charity in 1953.

The site, which benefits from the climatic influence of the North Atlantic Drift, is home to a stunning and surprisingly exotic plant collection, including the most northerly planting in the world of the ancient Wollemi Pine – an Australian species with its roots in the Jurassic period.

To protect the garden from the extreme weather coming in from the North Atlantic, its original creator planted a ‘shelter belt’ of trees and dense vegetation to act as a windbreak. Over the years, this barrier has protected the garden from violent gales, but this work has taken its toll.

Now, in anticipation of an increase in extreme weather events, as part of a pattern of climate change, the Trust is beginning work to bolster the shelter belt, to help ensure the garden is protected for the next 140 years.

Property Manager Roy Dowsett explains:

“Its exposed location on the Atlantic Coast is what makes Inverewe unique, but it also leaves us vulnerable. As the predictions are that as a result of climate change, winter storms will become more violent and extreme, we have to begin planning and planting now, to ensure the garden is sufficiently protected in future decades.

“An expert team of gardeners and foresters have been clearing some sections of our original shelter belt, preparing for planting and the first young oak trees are now in the ground.”

The work gets underway as the gardens gears up for the summer season. The garden is open daily. Visit www.nts.org.uk for opening times and prices.
 

In this year’s Edinburgh International Science Festival, the National Trust for Scotland teams up with three major Scottish horticultural groups to show you how you can sustain the wildlife in your own garden.

The Trust gets its welly boots on at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh with their own stand and will also be teaming up with the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens and the Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society, on other stands too - celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity 2010.

The Trust manages some of Scotland's most important historic gardens – from Broughton House and Garden in Kirkcudbright to Inverewe Garden in Poolewe and all points in between. With this, comes expertise to be valued and the Trust has planted a deep vein of horticultural knowledge and how it interacts with the indigenous wildlife, throughout Scotland.

Trust Nature expert Mr Lindsay Mackinlay said:
“Plants provide essential food and shelter for all sorts of animals in all quarters of the country. We’ll be on hand at these special events, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, to tell you about how they encourage wildlife to thrive in the Trust’s gardens.

“We can also give some great tips on managing your own garden for the benefit of wildlife too.

“Of course, we’ll be singing the praises of the Trust’s gardens throughout the country, their history and their year-round glory.”

Visitors can get their own green fingers tinkering in the soil too, as there will be the chance to plant some seeds to take home.
Spring is definitely springing in this year’s Science Festival, so come to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh and join in with the National Trust for Scotland.

Gardening for Life: Monday 5 April at 10am – 6pm and Tuesday 6 April at 10am, free for all the family

Garden Bug: Tuesday 6 April at 10am – 6pm, free for all the family

For a full programme of all the events of the Festival, visit: www.sciencefestival.co.uk
 

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has welcomed two new senior managers in recent months, appointing a new Director of Properties and Visitor Services and a new Director of Conservation.

Both directors will play a crucial part in the management of Scotland’s largest conservation charity, which cares for some of Scotland’s most treasured natural and cultural heritage.

Pete Selman joined the Trust in November 2009 in the properties role, while Terry Levinthal joined in February as Conservation Director.

Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“We are pleased to have appointed two high calibre candidates to these crucial roles for the organisation. Pete and Terry’s leadership and experience in their respective fields will play a vital part in helping us drive the Trust forward throughout 2010 and beyond.”

Pete Selman, Director of Properties and Visitor Services, succeeds Michael Hunter who retired from the Trust after some 30 years in December 2009.

Pete brings a wealth of experience to the organisation. Most recently employed with Elphinstone Holdings Ltd, he was involved in planning and development projects from the Clyde Waterfront to the north of Scotland. He has also worked for Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Development Agency on many urban regeneration, tourism development and visitor attraction projects including RRS Discovery, Discovery Point, the Canongate Brewery redevelopment, Edinburgh Festival Theatre and the Our Dynamic Earth visit attraction.

Pete said: “The Trust is one of Scotland’s largest land owners – on behalf of the nation. With the superb range of assets that we hold and the high expectation of our members and visitors this is one of the most exciting and most challenging jobs in Scotland.”

Terry Levinthal joined the Trust as Director of Conservation on 22 February. Most recently, Terry was Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, a non-government organisation committed to the improvement of the built and cultural environment of Scotland. He is an Urban Designer, and has studied architecture, environmental design and planning in Canada and the UK. He is also a member of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, chairing its Planning and Access Committee.

Terry said: “I am absolutely delighted to join the Trust at this time. The Trust is unique in Scotland in terms of the breadth and depth of the heritage assets it owns and manages. It will be an honour to work with the outstanding conservation professionals in the organisation to ensure the betterment of this resource for the nation. There will, of course, be significant challenges ahead. The Trust has a strong role to play in leading, helping and assisting in the long term sustainability of our special places.”

The Trust has also just appointed a Head of Development. Andrew Davies joined the Trust earlier this month from Culture and Sport Glasgow where he has been the Development Manager for Corporate Sponsorships and Commercial Partnerships for two years.  

An Arctic explorer has identified successfully a small unnamed sculpture at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle near Maybole in Ayrshire.

Pat Cannings, from Hereford, was visiting the castle last summer, when he spotted a tiny bone carving of two men shaking hands.

He recognized the piece immediately as a scene depicting a meeting in Franz Josef Land in 1896 between the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and statesman, Fridtjof Nansen and the English explorer Frederick Jackson.

“I have always been a great admirer of Nansen, not only for his exploration achievements but for his scientific research too,” said Pat, who has led several expeditions for the British Schools Exploring Society.

“Nansen led the first ever crossing of Greenland, sailed the Arctic Ocean and was influential in discovering the foundations of neurology and the dynamics of ocean currents.

“He pioneered the use of skis on expeditions and contributed much to the design of pressure stoves, such as the primus stove, for cooking in cold climates. Nansen Sledges were a part of standard expedition kit until recently - in fact I’ve used them myself.

“In later life, Nansen was involved heavily in Norway gaining its freedom from Sweden and a wide range of humanitarian activities including the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of World War One. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1922.

“I had bought a book on Nansen shortly before visiting Culzean and recognised the carving immediately as a scene from his life.”

Visitors to Culzean Castle, which opens tomorrow [30 March] for the summer, will be able to see the statue in the Blue Drawing Room.

“It is always exciting to find out a piece in our collection has greater significance than we had realised,” said Culzean’s collections care officer, Gordon Nelson, “and for the discovery to be made by a visitor is the icing on the cake.

“We believe the 3rd Marquess of Ailsa spent a lot of time in Scandinavia, so the piece is likely to have been purchased there as a souvenir during the late Victorian period.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Castle next week.”
 

The final preparations for the visitor season are underway at the National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen - home to one of the UK’s last working Victorian printing presses.

Staff and volunteers are hard at work preparing the 134 year old Wharfedale stop cylinder reliance for the open season, which begins on Thursday 1 April. The Wharfedale was purchased in 1886 for £99 and originally ran on water power. It was purchased from Otley in Yorkshire, to print posters for the town and for 25 years printed The St Ronan's Standard and Effective Advertiser. As well as being demonstrated to visitors, it is still used for production work today.

The printworks, which has been owned by the conservation charity since 1986, offers visitors a unique insight into printing techniques and technology from the Victorian era and already has a packed programme of events planned for the next few months, including its ever-popular living history tours which take place from 8 – 12 April.

Property Manager Gen Harrison said:

“Smail’s is an integral and fascinating part of the industrial heritage of Innerleithen. It truly is a place where the past comes to life. We are very proud of the entertaining and interactive tours that we offer to visitors and hope to have a busy and productive visitor season throughout 2010.”

Robert Smail’s Printing Works is open from 1 April until 31 October on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 12.00 until 17.00 and from 13.00 until 17.00 on Sunday. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2259.  

The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay has confirmed that he will remain as Patron of conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland until 2015.

The news comes as many of the Trust’s historic buildings and natural heritage sites prepare to re-open for the visitor season.

The charity cares for more than 100 places for the benefit of the nation, including 28 castles, palaces and great houses; 12 social and industrial heritage sites; 3 historic burghs; 76,000 hectares of countryside; 16 islands; 7 national nature reserves; 46 Munros; 7 National Nature Reserves; 1 Dual World Heritage Site.

Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“We are delighted to hear that The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay is continuing to support the vital conservation work that we carry out on behalf of the nation.

“This news arrives just as our staff and volunteers are busy putting the final touches to our wonderful properties whether they be beautiful houses, gardens or countryside, before the full range opens to the public once again.

“We hope that people will be inspired by the commitment of our Patron to our conservation cause and sign up to support the Trust as visitors, members, donors or volunteers. It is our common heritage and we look to Scots everywhere to help us protect it for the generations of the future.”

His Royal Highness has been Patron of the conservation charity since 2003, when he succeeded Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, who served as Patron since 1952.

During that time, HRH has visited Trust properties including Fyvie Castle and Mar Lodge in Aberdeenshire, Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway and Gladstone’s Land In Edinburgh.
 

The kitchen garden is dug and manured, the grass awaits its first cut and the daffodils are poised to open at the National Trust for Scotland’s Geilston Garden in Cardross.

Staff and volunteers have been busily preparing all winter for opening to visitors for the spring season on Thursday 1 April. The team have been working especially hard to contend with the impact of the hard winter this year, but are on course for a successful growing season.

Geilston is a tranquil treasure, boasting an enchanting walled garden, bright herbaceous borders and a wonderful woodland garden complete with its own waterfall.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are available onsite and a fresh produce from the kitchen garden is usually available from July to October from the market stall in the car park.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April at the property.

Head Gardener Joanna Gough said:

“We are gearing up for a great season at Geilston this year. The garden is in great shape and it will look stunning for the 1 April when we open, especially as the daffodils will be in full bloom by then. We look forward to welcoming the many visitors who come to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this hidden gem.”

Geilston is open daily from 1 April, from 9:30 until 17:00. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2219.
 

The links between three of Scotland’s most celebrated features will be explored on a walk along the lower slopes of Ben Lomond on Monday 5 April.

Walkers will have the opportunity to experience the natural woodlands and wildlife of this iconic Loch Lomond-side mountain, which is owned and cared for by The National Trust for Scotland. A ranger will guide visitors away from the paths and through steep, rough terrain, as they get a rare opportunity to see the munro’s natural heritage up close and personal.

Property Manager Alasdair Eckersall said:

“This walk marks the beginning of a packed season for Ben Lomond, which will offer ways to explore the heritage of the mountain for people of all abilities. I hope visitors enjoy seeing some of the breathtaking scenery we have on offer, and learn more about this jewel in Scotland’s crown.”

The walk runs from 11:00 to 15:00 on Monday 5 April and costs £10 for adults and £4 for children. For further information, contact the property on 0844 4932217.
 

One of the North East’s most magical castles is set to reopen its doors to the public on 1 May following a two-year programme of restoration.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Craigievar Castle near Alford, Aberdeenshire, has been closed since October 2007 when work began on a project to replace the castle’s cement-based harling with a traditional lime-based alternative.

“We’re working hard at the moment to prepare the castle for visitors,” said Project Manager Ian M. Davidson. “The dust created by the reharling means that every surface within the castle must be cleaned, and hundreds of pictures and pieces of furniture need to be put back to their rightful place.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us in the coming months, but we’re very much looking forward to welcoming people back.”

Although there will be no major changes to the interiors, visitors may notice a subtle change to the exterior. The new lime mortar, which is tined by natural earth pigments, has now returned the 17th Century castle to what experts think would have been its original shade of eye-catching pink.

“It would be fair to say that visitors to the castle will notice a change,” added Ian. “While the previous harl gave the building a reddish-orange appearance, the new lime coat means the castle is now noticeably pinker than before. We believe this is a close copy of the colour used on the castle in the past.”

The garden and grounds have been open to the public throughout the project.
 

The Jacobites need the help of willing children at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden battlefield this Easter, as they attempt to uncover the identity of a Government spy.

On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April, visitors to the Highland property can turn detective to find the traitor by following clues taking them all around the battlefield. A reward is in store for all those who uncover the name of the secret agent.

Property Manager Deirdre Smyth said:

“Easter is an excellent time for the family to get out and about, and this event provides an opportunity to see all of one of Scotland’s most important sites in an exciting and unusual way. I hope children enjoy discovering just who the spy in our midst is - and the reward they get when they do.”

The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April. Ticket price is included in admission cost.
 

The Hugh Miller Museum in Cromarty, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, will open especially for Easter 2010, ahead of the start of its season on Sunday 2 May.

From Friday 2 to Monday 5 April, visitors can explore the thatched cottage where the distinguished scientist, writer and reformer was born and learn about him in the adjacent Georgian villa. Over the winter the cottage’s garden has been redesigned and replanted, and Easter provides the first opportunity to see it in its new form. Miller’s Yard at the back of the property has also recently opened, with its features reflecting natural history making it a perfect place for contemplation.

Property Manager Zooulla Spirou said:

“Hugh Miller is, after James Hutton, perhaps Scotland’s most significant geologist, and his life’s story takes in everything from his battles as a man of faith to his crusading career as a newspaper editor. With Easter being a great time to get out and about, we hope that people will take the chance to learn about this truly remarkable man.”

The Hugh Miller Museum is open from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April between 13:00 and 17:00. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £5.50 for an adult, £15 for a family, £10 for a one parent family, £4.50 for a concession and £2 per person for groups.
 

The final preparations are underway at the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle in Banchory, as staff and volunteers get ready for a busy summer season.

The castle has been open to visitors at weekends throughout the winter, but its hours are set to extend – from 1 April, the castle will be open from Saturday until Thursday, from 10.30 until 16.30. The courtyard catering and shop will be open daily from 10.00 until 17.00.

The Banchory castle, with its long associations with the Burnett family, and its wonderful interiors, is one of Aberdeenshire’s most popular visitor attractions.

The castle’s glorious garden and grounds are also seeing signs of Spring, with spring bulbs emerging.

The castle has a packed programme of events planned for the season – starting with the Cadbury Easter egg trail which runs from Saturday 2 until Monday 5 April.

Property Manager Gareth Clingan said:

“We are hoping to build on the success of last year and continue to strive towards ensuring that Crathes Castle is firmly cemented as one of Aberdeenshire’s ‘must-see’ destinations. We are looking forward to sharing the castle’s fabulous art and interiors, beautiful gardens and tranquil and wildlife-rich grounds with thousands of visitors this summer.”

Crathes Castle, garden and estate is also a haven for wildlife and there is a busy programme of nature events planned for 2010. For full details of forthcoming events at Crathes, visit www.nts.org.uk.

Entry costs £10.50 for an adult and £26 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2166.  

Looking for something unusual for your spring break this year? Check out the holiday accommodation on offer at the National Trust for Scotland.

From cosy country cottages to grand apartments in great houses, there are a range of unusual and beautiful properties - and some are still available for Easter!

Some of the highlights – all available from 3 to 10 April - include:

Brewhouse Flat, Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
Enjoy the atmosphere of Culzean to the full in this comfortably furnished flat, which is situated in the west wing of the castle with its own entrance reached via an external staircase. Sleeps 4. Two spacious twin bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen and bathroom with shower over bath.

Cormack Lodge, Brodie Castle, Moray
This cosy single-storey cottage is set in its own garden and is situated on a narrow country lane, a short walk from Brodie Castle. Cormack Lodge is perfect for a romantic getaway and is within easy driving distance of Inverness, the stunning beaches along the Moray Firth and many local distilleries. Parking is available beside the cottage. Sitting room with sofa bed and wood-burning stove, dining room with views across to the Brodie estate, kitchen. A step leads down to the double bedroom and bathroom with bath and hand-held shower attachment. Sleeps 3.
Hector’s House, Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, Argyll
This delightful 18th-century property is named after Hector Lamont, MBE, who was the last Principal Lightkeeper. It has been completely refurbished to provide very comfortable accommodation.
Hector's House sleeps 4 in two twin bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom with bath and shower over bath.

Millwheel Cottage, Threave Estate, Dumfries and Galloway
The old Kelton Mill, just off the A75, has been imaginatively converted into these delightful cottages (Millwheel & Granary), full of character and traditional charm with many original features. Two twin bedrooms and bathroom with shower over bath on first floor. Sitting room with dining area, kitchen and WC on ground floor. Woodland area at rear of property.

Thrums Cottage, Kirriemuir, Angus
Enter ‘Neverland’ as you step over the threshold of our cosy terraced cottage, just two doors away from J M Barrie’s Birthplace, where the creator of Peter Pan was born in 1860 and which is now a Trust property open to the public. The red sandstone cottage has been decorated to reflect the Peter Pan theme. Original features include a beautiful open fireplace. On the ground floor is a comfortable sitting room and an open-plan dining room and kitchen. On the first floor are two spacious twin bedrooms and a bathroom with shower over the bath.

And for the following week, why not choose from:

Beechgrove Cottage, Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire
A charming south-facing, single-storey cottage within the wooded grounds of Pitmedden House. Original features, including open fireplaces, have been retained in this charming property, which was fully redecorated in 2009. Its quiet surroundings and enclosed garden with picnic table and bench combine to provide a delightful holiday cottage, conveniently close to the village of Pitmedden. Parking is available beside the cottage. Two twin bedrooms, sitting/dining room with open fire, kitchen and bathroom with bath and shower over bath.

Creag Bhalg, Mar Lodge, Aberdeenshire
Situated six miles from Braemar, and close to Mar Lodge, Creag Bhalg and Claybokie form their own exclusive small estate, comprising two exquisite houses, private in the extreme and beautiful in every respect. Uninterrupted views across the River Dee and Glen Eye and minutes away from Linn of Dee, Deeside, Balmoral and Skiing at Glenshee. There is fishing available and access to the Cairngorms is easy. Beautifully furnished, these must be among the most comfortable lodges in Scotland. Sleeps 8.

Precinct House, Whithron, Dumfries and Galloway
The Precinct House, situated next door to The Pend (also let through the Trust), belongs to a period two centuries later than its neighbour, and is a townhouse typical of the vernacular Scottish Georgian architecture of the burgh. The property has been carefully refurbished in Georgian style. Its most popular features are the heated glass-roofed atrium joining its two original buildings, perfect for indoor dining, and a secluded sunny courtyard outdoors. Master bedroom with king-size four-poster bed on the first floor and small single bedroom with compact box bed. On the ground floor: a sitting room with period grate, glass-roofed dining room, kitchen and shower room. Enclosed courtyard outside with garden furniture and barbecue.

Preston Tower, Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire
This pleasant and very unusual apartment, in the Preston and Seton Towers, is constructed between four floors with a number of intermediate floors: it is accessed via a spiral staircase. The apartment is furnished to a high standard with predominantly antique furniture. Seven bedrooms (three double, three twin and one single), dining room, kitchen, drawing room, study, two bathrooms (one with bath and shower over bath and one with bath only), two additional WCs, cloakrooms. Interesting study, tower room and turret rooms situated on the fourth floor.

Upper West Wing Flat, Hill of Tarvit, Fife
Sample elegant surroundings in this spacious self-contained apartment on the first floor of the mansionhouse. Access is via an external staircase. Not suitable for the infirm. One twin bedroom and one double bedroom, sitting room, dining kitchen and bathroom with bath and shower.

Full descriptions of each property can be found on our website www.ntsholiday.com, and you can also check availability and book online, or just call 0844 493 2108.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House in Aberdeenshire is getting ready to welcome visitors for the 2010 season from Friday 2 April for pre-booked tours, corporate functions, weddings and other specialist events.

This year, the property is hosting a free pre-season open day to showcase its capacity as a venue - one of the most popular places for weddings and corporate functions in the North East. Displays on weddings, conservation, gardens and volunteering will all proudly show off the property’s current schemes and plans for the future, while staff will also launch their new learning strategy.

Easter promises to be particularly special for Haddo, as they run a special Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for five to ten year olds on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April. With Alice and her friends supping tea by the historic House, visitors can search for the mysterious Cheshire cat or just unwind with a spot of croquet on the lawn. Booking is essential, and more details can be had through contacting the property. A Cadbury Easter egg trail will also take place on 4 April.

Steve Callaghan, Group Manager in the north of Scotland for the Trust’s Buildings and Gardens properties said:

“Haddo House is an Aberdeenshire treasure, 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 House is open for guided tours from Friday to Monday from 2 April to 30 June, daily from 1 July to 31 August then again from Friday to Monday from 1 September to 24 October. Tours start at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30 and booking in advance is recommended at all times. To pre-book a tour, contact the property on 0844 493 2179 or book in person at its shop.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle near Turriff, 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 fantastic fairytale castle and its wonderful Edwardian interiors ready to receive guests from Thursday 1 April. The 800 year old castle houses an astounding art collection - including one of the largest private collections of Raeburns in the world - as well as works by Batoni and Romney.

An exciting Cadbury Easter egg trail will take place on Sunday 4 April at the property. The beautiful grounds will also be a great spot for a springtime stroll, as the daffodils will be in full bloom.

Property Manager Robert Lovie said:

“With Fyvie preparing to open its doors once more, we are confident we are in for another successful season. The castle and gardens will be in great shape on opening day thanks to the hard work that our staff and volunteers have put in over the winter months, and we aim to bring that enthusiasm to our visitors throughout 2010.”
 

Musselburgh’s Newhailes House, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, will open especially for Easter in 2010, ahead of the start of its season on Saturday 1 May.

Throughout the Easter Weekend from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April, visitors will be able to experience the glorious rococo interiors of the house, which complement the surrounding gardens and estate.

A Cadbury’s Easter egg trail takes place on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April at the property.

Property Manager Karen Caldwell said:

“The Easter Weekend can provide a perfect opportunity to get away from it all and relax, and a walk round Newhailes House fits the bill. With the opportunity to take in an example of 18th century architecture that is both well-preserved and beautiful, visitors are sure to have a wonderful day out.”

Newhailes House is open from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April between 12:00 and 17:00, while the Estate remains open throughout the year. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £10.50 for an adult, £26 for a family, £20 for a one parent family, £7.50 for a concession and £2 for a car parking ticket.
 

From Friday 2 to Monday 5 April, visitors will be able to explore the life of the famous social historian by looking round the house where he was born. A selection of his personal possessions remain on show, and the property has remained relatively unchanged for over a hundred years.

Property Manager Richard Clarkson said:

“Thomas Carlyle is one of Scotland’s greatest men, and his birthplace provides an insight into the times he inhabited as well as his life. With Easter being a brilliant time to get out and see the country’s sights, I hope people will think of the fascinating tales that we tell in this humble house.”

The Birthplace is open from 13:00 to 17:00 from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £3 for an adult, £8 for a family, £6 for a one parent family and £2 for a concession.
 

J M Barrie’s Birthplace in Kirriemuir, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, is preparing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the author’s birth as it opens its doors once more on Saturday 3 April.

While a variety of exciting events are planned throughout the year, the property is always worth a visit to see the origins of Peter Pan, who has captivated children for over a century. Visitors can see the 19th century house where Barrie lived up close, and find out how his early life in Kirriemuir inspired his characters and their adventures.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“Sir James Matthew Barrie is one of Scotland’s most famous authors, and his 150th anniversary is a momentous occasion. I hope people take this opportunity to reflect on where his life began, and to see how Peter Pan was also in a sense born in Kirriemuir.”

J M Barrie’s Birthplace is open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 12:00 to 17:00 from 3 April to 27 June, daily from 11:00 to 17:00 from 28 June to 29 August and from 12:00 to 17:00 Saturdays to Wednesdays from 30 August to 31 October. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £5.50 for an adult, £15 for a family, £10 for a one parent family and £4.50 for a concession.
 

The Angus Folk Museum in Glamis, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, is preparing to take in visitors once again from Saturday 3 April.

The reconstructed farm steading and farmer’s bothy will once more give visitors an insight into the fascinating story of what it was like to work the land in days gone by, while the museum itself offers several insights into farming life.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“The Angus Folk Museum tells the story of what life was like for many of our ancestors, both in their working lives and their few spare moments. I am looking forward to the new faces who will visit this property in 2010, to experience a vital part of Scotland’s complex heritage.”

Angus Folk Museum is open from 12:00 to 5:00 on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 April to 27 June, daily from 28 June to 29 August, then once more on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 September to 31 October. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £5.50 for an adult, £15 for a family, £10 for a one parent family, £4.50 for a concession and £2 for a car parking ticket.
 

The Mar Lodge of the Highlands, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, will open especially for Easter Sunday 2010.

The open day on Sunday 4 April provides the chance to see inside the historic sporting lodge, which sits in a massive estate that includes four of Scotland’s five highest mountains. With the Trust celebrating fifteen years with Mar Lodge in its care, Easter provides a perfect chance for visitors to experience it up close. There will also be some Easter activities for children during the course of the day.

Property Manager Chris Hewitt said:

“Mar Lodge lies at the heart of its Estate, and is a perfect place from which to contemplate the glens and munros that surround it. Easter provides a rare opportunity to see inside this Lodge where dukes and royalty have shared anecdotes, and I strongly recommend that visitors take it up.”

The open day runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 4 April. Admission is free for Trust Members and £3.00 for adult non-members.
 

Menstrie Castle in Clackmannanshire, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, will open especially for Easter Sunday in 2010, ahead of the start of its season on Wednesday 5 May.

On Sunday 4 April, visitors will be able to explore the castle’s history.

Property Manager Scott McMaster said:

“Menstrie Castle was once home to Clan McAllaister and William Alexander, and today it remains an imposing and important property. With Easter providing a perfect opportunity for a familial day out within the Tower Trail, visitors are likely to love exploring within its walls.”

Menstrie Castle is open on Sunday 4 April between 14:00 and 17:00. Admission is free.
 

Glen Lochay’s Moirlanich, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, will open especially for Easter Day in 2010, ahead of the start of its season on Sunday 2 May.

On Sunday 4 April, visitors can explore the cruck frame cottage, which is both among the last of its kind and almost perfectly preserved. With many of the original features still present, the longhouse offers the chance to get a real feel of what Scottish village life would have been like in the 19th century.

Property Manager Helen Cole said:

“Moirlanich offers visitors the chance to see how many past Scots would have lived their lives, making it an invaluable part of our shared heritage. With Easter being a perfect time to get out and explore on a beautiful spring day, I hope visitors take the opportunity to visit the longhouse and see just how much things have changed.”

Moirlanich Longhouse is open on Sunday 4 April between 14:00 and 17:00. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £3 for an adult, £8 for a family, £6 for a one parent family and £2 for a concession.
 

Visitors to the National Trust for Scotland’s Grey Mare’s Tail near Moffat can expect to see some changes at the Nature Reserve in 2010, as part of an ongoing effort to improve the experiences of visitors, supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The old visitor building has been removed, with a new mobile trailer to be introduced in its place. Designed by local company Wee Sleekit, the trailer will welcome visitors to the site and introduce the work the Trust does there while also providing shelter for the property ranger. Inside, an AV screen will allow visitors to watch live and recorded footage of the peregrines resident at the property. During part of the summer and throughout the winter months the trailer will be taken away, decreasing the visual impact facilities have on the area. While away, the Trust intends to take it nationwide, using it at fairs and exhibitions to promote both the property and the organisation in general.

New orientation panels will also be introduced to the site, to help visitors find their way up to the best views of the waterfall and nearby Loch Skeen. As they go, the panels will tell stories of the rich natural and cultural history of the landscape, from the geological discoveries of Halbert Dobson through to the Trust’s ongoing efforts to look after the area’s rare plants. The project has had input from a range of specialists within the Trust to ensure that information is accurate and relevant, and has been written and designed to appeal to and engage with a wide audience. All going to plan, the new interpretation should be in place for the Easter holidays in April.

Meanwhile, a new leaflet aims to provide visitors with a helpful guide and souvenir for the site. With newly commissioned illustrations of the geography and wildlife, the brochure promises to provide a useful context to what is a truly remarkable site.

The property also welcomes a new manager - Richard Clarkson took over from Monday 1 March. Richard said of the new developments:

“As the home to a rich cultural and natural heritage as well as one of Scotland’s most impressive waterfalls, Grey Mare’s Tail deserves to have been given these more up to date facilities. Our approach is very much geared towards enabling visitors to appreciate the landscape whether they come for a short walk or to go rambling for miles. I am excited to be taking over as these new changes are coming into force, and hope they improve the experience for visitors.”

The property welcomes visitor comments on its new initiatives. If anyone has any comments, contact the property at greymare'stail@nts.org.uk or on 0844 493 2249.
 

Drumoak’s Drum Castle, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, will open especially for Easter in 2010, ahead of the start of its season on Saturday 1 May.

From Friday 2 to Monday 5 April, visitors will be able to explore the ancient castle, which remains the oldest intact building in the Trust’s care. The property’s historic rose garden opens for the season from Friday 2 April, showing off its subtle styling and ornamental lawns.

Property Manager Gareth Clingan said:

“As Drum has a greater length of history behind it than any of our other buildings, it has ended up with a huge number of stories to tell. With Easter being a perfect time to relax and visit somewhere special, Drum stands out as one of the most intriguing places to go.”

Drum Castle is open from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April between 11:00 and 17:00, while its grounds remain open throughout the year. Admission is free to members. For non-members, prices are £8.50 for an adult, £21 for a family, £16 for a one parent family, £5.50 for a concession and £2 for a car parking ticket.
 

The Camera Obscura on Kirrie Hill, which is managed by the National Trust for Scotland on behalf of Angus Council, will open to the public once more on Saturday 3 April.

The structure is one of only three of its type remaining in Scotland, and offers stunning views of Kirriemuir and its surrounding glens. Donated by the author of Peter Pan J M Barrie to the town of Kirriemuir, the camera provides stunning views of the Glens and surrounding countryside.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“The Camera Obscura is a fascinating building, and both its history and purpose are extraordinary. I hope visitors use 2010 to look into both its pinholes and its past, so they can marvel at the curious sights they see.”

The Camera Obscura is open between 12:00 and 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 April to 4 July, then from 12:00 to 17:00 Mondays to Saturdays and 13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays from 5 July to 30 September. Last viewing is at 16:40. Admission is free for members of the National Trust for Scotland. For non-members, prices are £3 for adults, £8 for families, £6 for one parent families and £2 for concessions.
 

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre are making the final preparations to open to visitors for the summer season on Monday 29 March.

The Glenfinnan Monument – which was designed by James Gillespie Graham – marks the place where Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard, marking the beginning of his campaign to restore the Stuarts to the Scottish throne in 1745.

Visitors can find out more about this campaign in the interesting and informative exhibition at the visitor centre.

Property Manager Rudy Vandecappelle said:

“We are gearing up for a great season at Glenfinnan. This is the place where one of the most significant chapters of Scottish history began, and I hope there will be more visitors than ever looking to explore it, as well as the history and heritage of this fascinating and beautiful part of Scotland.”

The Glenfinnan Monument is accessible all year round. The Visitor Centre is open daily 29 March to 30 June, daily 10.00 until 17.00; 1 July to 31 August, daily 09.30 - 17.30; 1 September to 31 October, daily 10.00 – 17.00.

Entry costs £3 for an adult and £8 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2221.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire, 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 and its wonderful interiors from its strikingly simple Great Hall to its Victorian Kitchen ready to receive guests from Thursday 1 April.

Over the winter season, the castle has undergone some improvements, so regular visitors were really notice a difference. The dining room ceiling has been repainted and is looking as good as new, and in the next few days a new carpet will be laid in the castle’s impressive Great Hall – thanks to the generous donations of the local Members’ Centre.

Special film to protect the castle’s delicate textiles and important art work from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays have also been replaced on the windows, and just to be extra safe, new blinds have been installed to help keep out harmful sunlight.

The castle’s glorious garden will also be in great shape for guests and children will love playing in the ‘Woodland Secrets’ area with its wooden sculptures and musical instruments.

An exciting Cadbury Easter egg trail will take place on both Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April at the property.

Property Manager Tina Low said:

“We are gearing up for another great season at Castle Fraser. Thanks to the dedication of our staff and volunteers have over the winter months, the castle and gardens will be in great shape on opening day. We are once more looking forward to bringing the rich history of this grand baronial castle to life for our visitors this season.”

Castle Fraser is opens on Thursday 1 April, 12 noon until 5pm, and then opens on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, until the end of June. From 1 July, the castle is open daily from 11am until 5pm. Entry costs £8.50 for an adult and £21 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2164.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle near Forres, 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 dramatic castle and its wonderful interiors ready to receive guests from Thursday 1 April. The 16th century towerhouse houses a wonderful collection with an international flavour – including 17th century Dutch paintings, fine French furniture and Chinese porcelain.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 April at the property. The beautiful grounds will also be a great spot for a springtime stroll, as Brodie’s famous daffodils will be in full bloom.

Acting Property Manager, Charlie Finlayson said:

“I’m very excited that Brodie Castle’s opening is just a few short days away. The castle and gardens should look wonderful thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers over the winter months, and we’re all looking forward to making history come alive throughout 2010.”

Brodie Castle is open daily from Thursday 1 April from 10:30 until 16:30, with last admission at 15:30. Last admission to the tearoom is 16:00 and to the shop 16:30. Entry costs £8.50 for an adult and £21 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2156.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Holmwood House in Cathcart, Glasgow as it prepares to open to visitors for the summer season from Thursday 1 April.

The stunning 19th century house was designed by Alexander Thomson and is widely thought to be his finest domestic building. The interior of the house provides a fascinating insight into how decoration styles and fashions have changed over the decades.

A Cadbury Easter egg trail will take place from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April at the property.

Jim McDowell, manager at Holmwood said:

“While Holmwood is a striking example of a once secluded Victorian villa, it is of more than just historical interest. With its beautiful exterior and its interior readied for display once more, it remains an enchanting place to visit in 2010.”

Holmwood House is open on Thursday until Monday, from Thursday 1 April until 31 October from 12:00 until 17:00. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2204.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Hill House in Helensburgh as it prepares to open to visitors for the summer season from Thursday 1 April.

The stunning 20th century house was designed by the internationally-renowned Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Its wonderful location and striking interiors make the Hill House a must-see for any Mackintosh enthusiast.

The beautiful property is enhanced by a stunning garden, which was again heavily influenced by the designer.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April at the property.

Property manager, Lorna Hepburn said:

“2010 promises to be a great season for the Hill House. Interest in Charles Rennie Mackintosh has never been higher and we are lucky to care for this iconic and beautiful example of his work. We look forward to bringing the story of his vision and talent to life for many visitors throughout the year.”

The Hill House is open daily from Thursday 1 April until 31 October from 13:30 until 17:30. Entry costs £8.50 for an adult and £21 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2208.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun, as staff and volunteers make the final preparations to open once more.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the beautiful Georgian house near Montrose ready to receive visitors from Thursday 1 April, and are making sure that the grounds are in tip top condition too.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April at the property and there will be a selection of craft stall offering a wide range of gifts and hand-crafted goods.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“Following the success of last year’s 20th anniversary, we are preparing for a great season once more. The House of Dun will look spectacular on opening day, thanks to the dedication of both staff and volunteers while the property has been closed to the public. With a packed programme of events planned, we hope to welcome thousands of visitors throughout the year.”

The house opens from 12:00 to 17:00 throughout the year on Wednesdays to Sundays from 1 April to 27 June, daily from 28 June to 29 August and Wednesdays to Sundays throughout September and October. Admission is free for members of the National Trust for Scotland, with non-member prices at £8.50 for adults, £5.50 for concessions, £21 for families and £16 for one parent families. Combined car parking and entry to walled garden tickets cost £2. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
 

The hedges are being trimmed at the National Trust for Scotland’s two Melrose gardens, as they get ready to open once more. Staff and volunteers are making the final preparations to welcome visitors for the summer season, which begins on Thursday 1 April.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get Harmony’s lush lawns and herbaceous borders perfected for the garden re-opening to the public. As well offering beautiful blooms and a tranquil setting, Harmony will be transformed into a place for literature this summer, as it is lined up to host the Borders Book Festival again.

Priorwood staff and volunteers are also as busy as the bees that make the organic honey that is sold in its shop, preparing its fascinating flowers and produce for inspection by visitors.

George Gregson, who manages both properties, said:

“We are gearing up for a great season in Melrose this year. Our gardens are in great shape and will be looking glorious by opening day, especially as the daffodils will be in full bloom by then. We look forward to welcoming many visitors this summer who are looking to experience the beauty and tranquillity of two of the Borders’ most stunning heritage gardens.”

Priorwood and Harmony are open from 1 April, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 until 17:00 and from 13:00 until 17:00 on Sunday.

Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family, for entry to both gardens. For more information about Harmony, call 0844 493 2251. For more information about Priorwood, call 0844 493 2258.
 

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the 17th century house ready to receive visitors from Thursday 1 April. Gladstone’s Land also houses an art gallery where a packed programme of exhibitions is already planned for 2010.

The first gets underway on Thursday 1 April with Reinventing Cultural Iconography, which features work from Scottish and Spanish artists highlighting a shared symbolism in underlying visual themes. While the artists hail from different cultural and geographical landscapes, their imagery of objects such as shoes, musicians and bulls retain a constant meaning.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April at the property.

Property Manager Fiona Murray said:

“We are gearing up for a great season at Gladstone’s Land this year. The house will be in great shape on opening day thanks to the hard work that our staff and volunteers have put in over the winter months. A trip to Gladstone’s is a step back in time and we are looking forward to bring the sights and sounds of the old town to life for our visitors.”

Gladstone’s Land is open daily from 10:00 until 17:00 from 1 April until 31 October, with last admissions to the property at 16:30. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2246.
 

The shrubs are being cut into line at the National Trust for Scotland’s Branklyn Garden in Perth, as staff and volunteers make the final preparations to open to visitors for the summer season on Thursday 1 April.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the garden truly blossoming in time to receive visitors once again. Branklyn is a tranquil treasure, boasting a fine collection of rhododendrons and examples of the distinctive Himalayan poppy Meconopsis.

Head gardener Steve McNamara said:

“2010 promises to be a great year for Branklyn. Our gardens are in great shape and bursting with colour and spring blooms, including rhododendron, bulbs and hellebores. The rock garden area has been renovated and looks stunning. I am sure our visitors will enjoy this beautiful spot, which truly is one of Scotland’s hidden treasures.”

Branklyn is open daily from 1 April, from 10am until 5pm. Entry is free for members, and for non-members is £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2193.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave House near Castle Douglas.

Preparations for guests are well-advanced at the grand baronial house. Presented as it was in the 1930s, it will once more be open for pre-booked tours from Wednesday 31 March. This year promises to be a special one for the property, as it celebrates 50 years of its School of Practical Gardening with a series of special events.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April at the property.

Property Manager Sheila Innes said:

“Threave’s gardens and grounds are open all year round and are looking glorious right now, especially as the spring flowers begin to come into bloom. In the house, we are shaking off the dust covers and setting out the welcome mat as we get ready for a busy season of guided tours.”

Threave House is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 31 March until 31 October. Entry to the house is by guided tour only and booking is strongly advised.

Threave garden, grounds and countryside centre are open daily. Entry to the house and garden costs £10.50 for an adult and £26 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2245.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Alloa Tower, 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 medieval towerhouse - the ancestral family residence of the Erskines, Earl of Mar - and its important collection of portraits, silver and furniture, ready to receive visitors from Thursday 1 April.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April at the property.

Property Manager Scott McMaster said:

“I’m confident that Alloa Tower is in for another exciting season. The towerhouse already looks stunning thanks to work of our staff and volunteers through the winter, and we’re all looking forward to visitors finding it stunning themselves throughout 2010.”

Alloa Tower is open daily between 13:00 and 17:00 from 1 April, and is open for pre-booked group tours in the morning. Costume guided tours are also available by arrangement. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2129.
 

Friends and supporters are being invited to enjoy a free advance preview of the National Trust for Scotland’s Broughton House in Kirkcudbright as it gears up for the visitor season.

On Sunday 28 March, staff and volunteers will team up with the Friends of Broughton House and Garden to open the house free of charge for one day only. The team will host study tours will travel, sharing the house’s many delights, as well as raising awareness of the benefits of joining the Trust or the Friends group. The day will conclude with home baking and tea.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to get the beautiful house where artist EA Hornel worked from 1901 ready to receive visitors from Thursday 1 April. This year, the property will host an exhibition themed around Myth and Legend, highlighting both its extensive library and Hornel’s Brownie of Blednoch, which is on loan from Glasgow’s Kelvingrove museum.

Broughton House Property Manager Sally Eastgate said:

“We’re all looking forward to the season’s start here at Broughton House. The house and gardens are looking great thanks to the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, and we’re all looking forward to showcasing the life, work and collections of EA Hornel for our visitors this season.”

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April at the property.

Broughton House is open daily from 1 April until 31 October from 12:00 until 17:00. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family. For more information, call 0844 493 2246.
 

The dust covers are coming off at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodick Castle on Arran, 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 castle, which was once the home of the Duke of Montrose and the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, and its grand interiors, fine furniture and impressive art collection ready to receive visitors from Sunday 4 April.

A Cadbury Easter egg trail will take place on Sunday 4 April at the property.

Brodick Castle Property Manager Ken Thorburn said:

“Brodick is the jewel in Arran’s crown, and so I am obviously excited that it’s due to open once more. Thanks to the time our staff and volunteers have spent cleaning and prepping, the castle should be as beautiful as ever come opening day, and ready to welcome visitors once more.”

Brodick Castle is open from 11:00 with last entry at 16:00 from Sunday 4 April to Wednesday 7 April, and from Sundays to Wednesdays thereafter until 23 June. From 26 June to 8 September the castle is open every day, while it is again open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 September to 31 October with last entry at 15:00 throughout the latter month. Entry costs £10.50 for an adult and £26 for a family. For more information and bookings, call 0844 493 2154.

 

Recently granted an ‘A’ listing, the watermill remains a fine example of Scotland’s industrial heritage, and still grinds meal for demonstration with its working machinery. Later this year the youngest machine will be 100 years old. The Barry Burn, from which the mill draws its power, is a beautiful place for a walk or just to relax, after spending time with the property’s guides and exhibitions.

Property Manager Peter Ellis said:

“Scotland’s industrial heritage tells us a great deal of how we came to be the way we are, and Barry Mill forms a significant part of it. I hope visitors in 2010 find the property as fascinating as we do, both in its inner workings and how it reflects the outer world.”

On Sunday 4 April, Barry Mill will host its traditional Family Easter Duck Races on the Barry Burn. Entry costs £1 and the fun starts at 12:00.

Barry Mill is open Thursday through Monday between 12:00 and 17:00 (13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays) from 1 April to 31 October. Admission is free for members of the National Trust for Scotland. For non-members, prices are £5.50 for adults, £15 for families, £10 for one parent families and £4.50 for concessions.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre is preparing to welcome visitors once more, as it opens for the season on Thursday 1 April.

The centre contains numerous artefacts from Livingstone’s life, with several displayed inside the tenement he grew up in. Volunteers will once more recount the story of the explorer and missionary -whose life’s work has proven inspirational to many- as they make their way around the property.

Cadbury Easter egg trails will take place from Friday 2 to Monday 5 April at the property.

Retail Manager Stuart Whittaker said:

“After a winter of planning and cleaning it’s great to be opening up the David Livingstone Centre once more. Doctor Livingstone’s dedication to his cause and legendary work ethic are every bit as fascinating as some of his more adventurous traits, and I hope visitors will come away both fascinated and impressed by this remarkable man.”

The David Livingstone Centre opens daily from 1 April to 24 December, from 10:00 to 17:00 Monday to Saturday and from 12:30 to 17:00 on Sundays. Admission is free to members of the National Trust for Scotland. Prices for non-members are £5.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions, £15 for families and £10 for one parent families.
 

Staff and volunteers are making the final preparations to open Bachelors’ Club in Tarbolton and Souter Johnnie’s Cottage in Kirkoswald from Thursday 1 April, two small but fascinating cottages which boast strong ties to Scotland’s most popular poet.

The Burns National Heritage Park remains open throughout the year as construction on the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum continues and Cadbury Easter egg trails run from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 April at Burns National Heritage Park.

Property Manager Caroline Glenn said:

“We are gearing up for a great season in Ayrshire this year. Interest in Burns remains strong following the Year of Homecoming, and the Trust is lucky to care for some of the most important and iconic sites with connections to the bard. A trip to the Bachelors’ Club, Souter Johnnie’s Cottage and the Burns National Heritage Park is the perfect way to recognise the life’s work of the most celebrated poet Scotland has produced.”

The Bachelors’ Club is open Friday until Tuesday, from 13:00 to 17:00 from 1 April. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family.

Souter Johnnie’s Cottage is open Friday until Tuesday from 11:30 until 17:00 from 1 April. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult and £15 for a family.

The Burns National Heritage Park is open daily 10.00am till 5.00pm until the end of March and from 10.00am till 5.30pm from 1 April to end September. Entry costs £5 for an adult and £13 for a family.
 

Haddo House gardens will be going wild this year, as staff help local school children create a wildflower meadow in the property’s grounds.

Children will be involved in every stage of the meadow’s creation at the Aberdeenshire property, which is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. After learning how to sow, grow and care for the flowers in the nursery, the children will survey the future site of the meadow to see how the insects and plants which already live there may contribute to the future success of the wildflowers.

The children will also take part in hands-on activities which link wildlife conservation with the importance of biodiversity, and learn of the importance of honey bees when it comes to growing flowers.

Bob Holliman, Head Gardener at Haddo, said:

“This project is at the core of what the Trust is all about. Through combining conservation with learning, it speaks to the very people who can care for the environment in the future. All credit must go to the team, who – with the help of placement student Ellie Tough - have really helped bring this project to life.”

The property will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 28 March from 12:00 to 4:00 where visitors can find out more about the wild flower project and other learning opportunities. There will also be displays on weddings, volunteering, collections care and the daily operation of the house. Entry to the event is free.
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre is celebrating today after being shortlisted in the new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards for Best Heritage attraction in the UK. The Awards reward the efforts made by attractions across the country to ensure that visitors with disabilities enjoy an inclusive, inspiring and accessible experience.

Commenting on the shortlist achievement, Property Manager Deirdre Smyth, said:

“We have worked hard to be as accessible as possible and are really excited that these efforts have been recognised. Welcoming visitors with disabilities to Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre is part of our day to day operations and we enjoy the feedback we receive to continue to make the experience as inclusive and enjoyable as possible. To be shortlisted for a Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the standards we strive to achieve.”

A fun-packed dog-sledding operation, an ancient battlefield site and a farm that comes complete with its own hedgehog hospital are among the other diverse range of visitor attractions shortlisted in the first-ever Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards.

The Awards, supported by Motability Operations and launched to coincide with the third edition of the award winning Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, recognise the best accessible, inclusive and inspirational visitor attractions across the UK.

Attractions were whittled down by Rough Guides’ expert reviewers and judging panel into four categories – Best Family Venue, Best Active Venue, Best Heritage Venue and Best Free Venue.

A fifth award, the Readers’ Choice prize, has been voted for by consumers and Rough Guide to Accessible Britain fans, online at www.accessibleguide.co.uk

The shortlisted attractions are:

Best Family Venue: – Legoland Windsor, Berkshire; Science Museum, London; South Devon Railway and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Devon; Eden Project, Cornwall; The Alnwick Garden, Co Durham.

Best Active Venue: Manchester Velodrome; Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire; Cairngorm Sled-Dog Centre, Aviemore; Cairngorm Funicular Railway and Ski Centre, Aviemore; Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre, Monmouth.

Best Heritage Venue: Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, London; Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Inverness; Tate Britain, London; Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Bristol.

Best Free Venue: Locomotion: National Railway Museum, Shildon, Co Durham; The National Gallery, London; National Waterfront Museum, Swansea; Horniman Museum and Gardens, London.

A panel of judges including Ian Macrae, editor of Disability Now; Martin Dunford, founder, Rough Guides; Lara Masters, Britain’s Missing Top Model judge and Rough Guide reviewer, and Delia Ray, head of marketing, Motability Operations, made a final assessment of the reviewers’ submissions to select the shortlisted attractions and winners.

Martin Dunford, founder, Rough Guides, explained:

“The Accessible Britain Awards mark the achievements of attractions, however large or small, across the UK that have demonstrated considerable effort and creativity in providing inclusive experiences for visitors with disabilities.”

Delia Ray, head of marketing, Motability Operations, added:

“Now in its third edition, The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain has inspired more people to get about and discover more of the UK’s best sites. We’ve been consistently impressed with the response of attractions, which have looked for new ways to make their venue as inclusive as possible. The new awards recognise these steps and highlight the attractions around the UK that have set new standards in accessibility.”

The Accessible Britain Awards, and The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, are supported by Motability, the leading car scheme for disabled people which provides a worry-free motoring option to over half a million people in the UK.

Winners will be announced at a reception at the Tate Modern in London taking place on 22 March 2010 and hosted by outdoors adventurer and TV personality Ben Fogle.

Full details of each winner – including details of how they achieved their accolade – will feature in the third edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, due for publication in April 2010. The Guide, available FREE to Blue Badge holders, includes comprehensive details of over 180 inspirational days out for people with disabilities and their families.

For more information on The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain see www.accessibleguide.co.uk.
 

April hosts a diverse range of artists at the conservation charity's popular Royal Mile Gallery.

Reinventing Cultural Iconography - 30 March – 4 April 2010

Organised by Delicartessen.co.uk

This exhibition brings young Scottish and Spanish artists together to present a visual vocabulary that, despite the artists’ diverse cultural background and geographical distance, can sometimes meet halfway.

Shoes, horses, bulls, dancers, musicians, castles are some of the emblematic and powerful images that seem to survive the passing of time but are continually reinvented and reinterpreted through art.

With the support of the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh.


Edinburgh College of Art collective - 6 - 11 Apr


A collective group from the Edinburgh College of Art will be exhibiting a variety of media. The artists included are:

Christiane Kelegher, whose work aims to achieve a fantasy-type narrative through my examination of peoples’ perceptions of imagination and reality. She enjoys creating ink-block type drawings using a stylised approach and incorporating them with photography and film. Currently, her interest lies in the concepts behind “portals”- rather the methods and ways in which we create links between our own imaginary realms and our real world experiences and comparing this between the movement from dark to light and vice versa.

Kirsty Ross's photography is stripped back to its most basic level - is controlled light chemically fixed to photographic paper visually exploring the way a photographic image is created both with and without a camera. Her work falls between analogue and digital processing.

Jenne Stanfield is interested in the idea that everything in the world was made up of smaller units. These smaller units, like atoms, could be connected together to form molecules which in turn could form inanimate matter like metal and stone or form the basic materials of living cells. A recurring theme throughout the work is repetition of miniature shapes that can be connected together to create larger forms. Jenne finds the production of repetitive shapes, which form the basis of the work so far, very therapeutic and find it satisfying to produce work that is very minimal, which has to be clean, precise and orderly.

Catherine MacRobbie’s work combines subtle painterly styles with figurative themes introduced through biomechanical drawing, medical illustration and extreme body performance. Monochromatic paintings permeated with ambiguity, luminosity and texture reflected through delicately depicted fabric and flesh. Intimate scenes and difficult images coalesce with anatomical and mechanical diagram.


Jen Nelson's main line of enquiry is “walking in the rural and urban landscape”. Investigation and research is based upon the fundamental act of walking in site specific locations across Scotland. The artist is interested in how we individually observe, engage and respond whilst walking and uses a range of media for exploration within my work including, film, photography, drawing, installation and performance.

Sylvia von Hartmann R.S.W’ exhibition of prints, 13 - 18 April

This retrospective exhibition brings together a cross-section of the work of this well established and popular Edinburgh based artist. In a range of printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography and screen-printing, von Harmann addresses the themes that have pre-occupied her since her student days at the Edinburgh College of Art.

This exhibition varies from the early, more figurative works to the recent emphasis on plants, especially flowers to small animals and house-loved objects.

Von Hartmanns’ work engages with the profound themes of memory and dreams, growth and decay – all under the guise of seemingly private narrative, surreal domesticity and decorative flourish.

Her accomplished draftsmanship, fine sense of colour and quirky compositions always enchant and delight, while quietly inviting contemplation.
 

Read the latest progress on the review by the Rt Hon George Reid.

www.nts.org.uk/About/The-Review/Information/  

Fife’s budding gardeners can learn the arts of pruning and grafting with two specialist courses at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culross on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March.

On Saturday, attendees will learn how to prune fruit trees and bushes. There will also be a talk about the basics of pruning and how to achieve the best results. And there will be an option to practice on trees in the Palace garden.

The Sunday course, meanwhile, will revolve around grafting. After a short talk on history and theory of grafting, there will again be a practical demonstration of the art. Attendees are welcome to take away their own grafts, and to plant them in their gardens!

Mark Jeffery, Head Gardener at Culross, said:

“Culross Palace boasts some of Fife’s most beautiful gardens, and it is thanks to the efforts of our staff that we are able to maintain them to such a high standard. I am delighted that they will be teaching others the tricks of the trade, so that Fife’s knowledge of gardening may continue to grow.”

The courses run on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March and each cost £25 day. Booking is essential, and can be carried out by contacting the property on 0844 4932189.
 

The unique charms of the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden, near Oban and the beauty of springtime in Argyll will be celebrated in a special festival this April.

Horticultural enthusiasts will be treated to an expert, behind the scenes view of the stunning garden and its world-leading plant collections, as well as the chance to learn more about Argyll’s natural and cultural history.

Organised in conjunction with the Loch Melfort Hotel, the Spring in Argyll Arduaine Spring Festival runs from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 April.

Gardening personality Jim McColl (BBC Scotland Beechgrove Garden), David Mitchell of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Sharon Webb of the Kilmartin Museum and National Trust for Scotland wildlife expert Mr Lindsay Mackinlay will all share their expert knowledge with attendees keen to learn more about the flora and fauna of Argyll.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be a special tour of Arduaine Gardens by head gardener, Maurice Wilkins.

Maurice said:

“Arduaine Garden is one of Scotland’s best in the springtime. Thanks to our location, we are often preparing to burst into bloom, when other gardens are still stuck in winter. In April, there will be much to enjoy in the garden – the spring bulbs will be in full swing, our world famous rhododendrons will be beginning to flower and new fronds will be appearing on our ferns too.”

As well as the packed programme of heritage focused events, guests will also dine and relax in the wonderful surroundings of the Loch Melfort Hotel. The hotel’s proprietors pride themselves on offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation, tasteful decor and a gourmet dining experience – the restaurant has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000.

Calum Ross, owner of the Loch Melfort Hotel said:

“Spring in Argyll is a wonderful time and the Loch Melfort Hotel’s location is the best place to experience it. We’re right on the doorstep of Arduaine, as the first spring blooms emerge and on the shores of Askinsh Bay – a haven for the wildlife that will be awakening from its winter slumber. We hope you will join us to explore and celebrate Argyll’s beauty and history this springtime.”

The full programme is attached:

There are a range of options starting from £225 per person to include all accommodation, meals and a selection of events. Day rates and tours are also available. Some proceeds from the event will benefit the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden.

For more information, visit www.nts.org.uk. To book, contact 0844 493 2100.

FULL PROGRAMME:

Friday 16 April
18.45 – 19.30: Pre Dinner Drinks Reception
19.30 – 21.30: Dinner at Loch Melfort Hotel
21.30: ‘The Scots Gardener and the Spring’
Talk by Jim McColl MBE (BBC Beechgrove Garden)
10.30 – 01.00: Informal Scottish Music Night

Saturday 17 April
10.00 – 11.00: ‘The Garden Treasures of Argyll’ - Talk by David Mitchell (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)
11.30 – 12.30: ‘Spring in the Landscape Argyll - Ancient Land of Light and Life’ - Talk by Sharon Webb (Kilmartin Museum)
Light Lunch at Loch Melfort Hotel
Afternoon: Unique Arduaine Garden Tour led by Maurice Wilkins, Head Gardener - The National Trust for Scotland
Max 15 people per tour
Possible visit Kilmartin Museum (own transport)
19.30 – 22.00: ‘Spring on a Plate’
5 course gourmet dinner in the Loch Melfort Hotel’s 2 AA Rosette Arduaine Restaurant celebrating the best of Argyll and Scotland’s spring produces.

Sunday 18 April
10.00 – 11.00 - 'Call of the Wild: Argyll's Rich Wildlife Heritage’
Talk by Lindsay Mackinlay, The National Trust for Scotland
11.00 – 12.00 - Informal Question Time:
Jim McColl MBE
David Mitchell
Lindsay Mackinlay
 

Conservationists at the National Trust for Scotland’s Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve are hoping this year is set to be a bumper one for monitoring its rare flora and fauna.

The optimism comes after encouraging results from a successful field season in 2009. And thanks to the increased snow cover this winter providing truly arctic conditions for area’s renowned plantlife, 2010 could be even more productive.

Monitoring by seasonal ecologist, Clare Rickerby throughout 2009 confirmed that some species were thriving, thanks to the conservation charity’s careful management of the high altitude site.

A real success story is that of the Highland Saxifrage (Saxifraga rivularis) which was reintroduced at Ben Lawers in 2006. Highland Saxifrage is a nationally rare species adapted to grow in some of the harshest arctic alpine conditions. In Scotland, it is found in about 20 mountain locations, including Ben Lawers where its population had declined to a single plant, due, in part, to illegal plant collecting.

Last summer found all 12 reintroduced plants thriving, along with 6 offspring too.

Helen Cole, property manager and naturalist said:

“The results reported last year – which are in part a measure of some of our work to conserve the alpine plants - were really satisfying. After all, Ben Lawers is one of Scotland’s richest habitats for plants of this type, and we are playing a key part in ensuring that it remains so, for generations to come.”

Other alpine species are also holding their own at the site. One population of Rock Speedwell (Veronica fruticans) - a nationally rare arctic alpine that grows on the base rich cliffs and rock ledges from 500 to 1000 metres above sea level – had increased by more than 60 per cent in the past decade. A 2009 study found more than 750 plants. But another population showed signs that collecting is still going on.

Conservationists also think that this winter’s heavy snow could help in the long run.

Helen continued:

“In recent years, snow cover in most mountain areas has become erratic and there is some evidence that this has led to population declines of some of our rarest plants.

“A few cold months are unlikely to make much difference in the long term, but it does give some hope that we may occasionally get the harsh weather that these beautiful rarities are supremely adapted to.”

And it was good news for animal life too - a survey of water voles, which have been suffering catastrophic declines across the UK, showed that the Ben Lawers population had recovered to 2002 levels. Then, a population of 24 water voles was estimated at 4 sites. The estimated total in 2009 was 27. The Trust’s naturalists believe that this could be attributed to an increase in lush stream-side vegetation as a result of fencing to exclude larger grazing animals.

And as preparations for spring 2010 continue, the team have a new ecologist to bolster the expert crew. Dan Watson was previously the Trust’s property manager at Grey Mare’s Tail in Dumfries and Galloway. He will work across the Trust’s sites at Ben Lawers and Glencoe to develop long term monitoring. He joined the team in January 2010 and is looking forward to playing his part in his first season. He said:

“Both Ben Lawers and Glencoe hold nationally important populations of rare plant species, along with a great deal of other interesting wildlife. I am looking forward to getting out onto the hills to carry out the monitoring which is an essential tool for informing our conservation management.”
 

The National Trust for Scotland’s House of Dun is recognising the hard work of the mums of Angus this Mother’s Day by giving them a very special treat - free entry to the historic property.

On Sunday 14 March, the house will open especially to welcome deserving mothers into its spacious rooms. After a free tour around the spectacular property, mums can head over to Café Dun to be presented with a special menu and their very own corsage. With the gardens still covered with flowering snowdrops, a walk through the grounds is the perfect way to round off an enchanting day.

Property Manager John McKenna said:

“Mothering Sunday in Scotland dates back to the 16th century, so by treating your mum at the House of Dun this year, you’re celebrating an old Scottish tradition as well as saying a big thank you! I hope this event will give people the chance to truly spoil their mums, in return for all they do on every other day of the year.”

The house opens from 12.00 to 17.00 on Sunday 14 March, with the last tour leaving at 16.30. Normal entry prices apply to those accompanying mothers.

The House of Dun re-opens for visitors on 1 April. The gardens and grounds are open daily.
 

Staff at the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle and Country Park have just received a prestigious award in recognition of 25 years of successful education work.

The team found out in July 2009 that they would receive the Sandford Award for Heritage Education for a sixth time.

Culzean Ranger Katie Walker from Prince Edward at a recent ceremony in Windsor Castle.

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.

Culzean’s Property Manager Paul Pomfret said:

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

 

East Lothian’s Newhailes Detectives Club has been recognised as the best wildlife watch group in Scotland - and they’re eager for more children to join their ranks.

The club, which is led by ranger Hannah Levene and run by the National Trust for Scotland with support from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, was judged Watch Group of the Year 2009 for the Scottish Region on the basis of its scrapbook of the year’s activities. Judges were impressed by the wide range of nature-themed activities the club offered – from felt making to birdwatching - as well as the degree to which members had been involved in shaping the programme.

2010 promises to be just as exciting a year for the club, who are always happy to accept children between 7 and 12 into their ranks. With plans to plant wildflowers, make artworks from natural materials, build dens in the woods and see seal pups at the Scottish Seabird Centre, new members can expect to have all manner of interesting experiences.

Newhailes Ranger and Club Leader Hannah Levene said:

“The children were all thrilled that we’ve been awarded for our 2009 programme, but that’s no reason for us to rest on our laurels! I’m confident this year will be even better than the last, and that our members will have the chance to make friends, learn facts and explore their local area- all while having a lot of fun doing so.”

The Newhailes Detectives usually meet from 10:00 to 11:30 in the Education Room at Newhailes on the third Saturday of each month, though these details can vary depending on the activity. For more information please contact the Ranger, Hannah Levene, on 0844 493 2124. Club membership costs £8 for a year and is open to all.

For more information about the club, visit its website at www.swt.org.uk/kids/watch/east-lothian/.  

The National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Smail’s Printing Works will be at the heart of Innerleithen’s local history week this March, helping to commemorate the past and present of one of the Borders’ most historic towns.

The Victorian print works, which is cared for by the conservation charity, will lend its support to several events throughout the week beginning Monday 8 March.

Property Manager Gen Harrison said:

“The Scottish Borders Libraries Local History Weeks are a fantastic way of allowing communities to share their memories while reflecting on how they have been shaped and changed up to the present day. I’m excited that Smail’s will be working in partnership with the Library, School and Community Trust and contributing so much to the events in Innerleithen, given the significant role it held in the past and continues to hold today.”

Visitors to Innerleithen library will be able to see an A to Z of everything the town has to offer drawn by the local primary twos and threes and with tiles and covers printed and bound at the works, as well as the books produced by the Higher Art students of Peebles High School at the site tracing their walk along the river Leithen.

Old photos and memorabilia from the community will also be exhibited in the property’s window alongside a similar display in the library as part of the “Gan the Messages” theme of local history week celebrating the shops and shopping experiences of days gone by.

Members of the Innerleithen Community Trust will give an illustrated talk on the theme on Wednesday 10 March, taking in the shops and characters that populated the high street in days gone by. The talk starts at 19:30 at Innerleithen Church Hall. Tickets are £4 on the door.

The property will also run “Tales from Smail’s”, an illustrated talk delving into its extensive archives and the fascinating stories behind the objects it contains. The talk starts at 19:30 at Innerleithen Church Hall on Saturday 13 March. Tickets are £4 on the door.