The National Trust for Scotland's Chief Executive Kate Mavor kicked off National Volunteers Week with a spot of volunteering at the conservation charity's Falkland Palace in Fife today (1 June).
The National Trust for Scotland's Chief Executive Kate Mavor kicked off National Volunteers Week with a spot of volunteering at the conservation charity's Falkland Palace in Fife today (1 June).
Kate joined a team of dedicated staff and volunteers at the historic property which was a favourite holiday retreat of Mary Queen of Scots, to assist with an educational visit from school children from Timmergreens Primary, at Arbroath, as National Volunteers' Week gets underway. She took the opportunity to thank the property's volunteers who make a massive contribution, guiding visitors, assisting with events and keeping the place in tip top condition.
As a charity, the Trust is dependent on the support of thousands of volunteers to help carry out its vital work to protect and preserve Scotland's heritage. More than 3000 volunteers dedicate precious time and expertise to a diverse range of activities from acting as guides at beautiful historic homes, to building drystane dykes, to counting seabirds on remote islands.
While at Falkland, Kate launched the charity's Volunteer of the Year award. New for 2009, staff and volunteers will be asked to nominate volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the Trust. The winners will be announced in September at a volunteer event in the charity's offices in Charlotte Square .
Kate Mavor said:
"Volunteers are vital to the National Trust for Scotland. We are so grateful for the time, expertise and dedication that every volunteer brings to the charity. Every individual makes such a difference to protecting and preserving Scotland's heritage.
"Just look at the team here at Falkland - they really bring the story of this wonderful place to life for our visitors and make the experience of coming to Falkland all the richer. There are thousands of other volunteers doing the same all over Scotland.
"I would absolutely encourage everyone to try their hand at volunteering for the Trust. You get to spend time in some of the most beautiful places in Scotland, with some of the best people and contribute so much to our heritage."
For more information on the wide range of volunteering opportunities available now, visit
www.nts.org.uk/volunteering.