These are the questions we’re most often asked regarding leaving a legacy to the National Trust for Scotland.

• Can I leave a legacy to the National Trust for Scotland?
  I didn’t know it was a charity.
• Does the National Trust for Scotland need my legacy?
• Can I choose what my legacy is spent on?
• Can I be sure that the Trust will spend my legacy where I want it to be spent?
• Can I be sure that my legacy will not be used for administration purposes?
• Are there any special words I should use in my will?
• Do I need to tell you that I’ve mentioned the National Trust for Scotland in my will?
• What are the tax advantages of leaving money to charity?
• What will it cost me?
• Is a small legacy really any use?

Q. Can I leave a legacy to the National Trust for Scotland? I didn’t know it was a charity.
A. The National Trust for Scotland is a grand and proud title but it is not a government agency or department. It is a charity - Recognised Scottish Charity No SC 007410. It was founded in 1931 by a group of visionary and concerned Scots. They could see that Scotland’s outstanding cultural and natural heritage was endangered and needed to be conserved for the benefit of the nation. Like all charities, the Trust depends on the generosity of people through their donations and legacies to support the many special places it cares for throughout Scotland.

Q. Does the National Trust for Scotland need my legacy?
A. Legacies are hugely important to our work, which covers the whole of Scotland. We need them to protect 127 historic properties in our stewardship,188,000 acres of Scotland’s dramatic and beautiful countryside, 16% of the land’s highest peaks, 400km of coastline and amazing islands. Quite simply, the money we are able to raise from membership subscriptions just does not cover the amount we need for the proper care of these fantastic properties with their historic architecture, antique collections, gardens, footpaths, and both natural and human communities. Nor does it allow us any hope of acquiring for the nation new places for the permanent access and enjoyment of future generations.

Q. Can I choose what my legacy is spent on?
A. Yes, of course you can. If there is a special property that means a lot to you, a favourite place or an aspect of our work that you particularly want to support, you can specify this in your will. But legacies that are not specific are especially helpful as they can be used to fund our most urgent property needs at the time they are received.

Q. Can I be sure that the Trust will spend my legacy where I want it to be spent?
A. You can be assured that we will use your gift as you wish. Of course, it must be for a place in our care or a purpose the charity undertakes. You or your solicitor can check with the Legacy Manager, in strict confidence, if in doubt.

Q. Can I be sure that my legacy will not be used for administration purposes?
A. Yes. All legacy donations we receive (unless otherwise specified) go directly to essential work on properties, including endowments and acquisitions.

Q. Are there any special words I should use in my will?
A. Yes, the full name of the charity – the National Trust for Scotland -simply must appear. the national trust is a separate charity covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. If your will states that name your bequest will be used in these places but not in Scotland. It is particularly important if you live outside Scotland to see that any solicitor you employ puts the Trust’s full name in your will. It is also useful to add our address.

Q. Do I need to tell you that I’ve mentioned the National Trust for Scotland in my will?
A. No, but it is really helpful if you do, although no details are necessary. The charity has to spend time and money raising funds from a number of sources in a variety of ways, including legacies. Knowing that we are attracting legacy support helps us plan how best to use these scarce resources in the future. Very importantly to us it lets the Trust say a modest ‘thank you’ by sending an annual calendar and open invitation to a special tour of any property that you particularly like, if you wish. However, there is absolutely no question of you receiving unwanted communications.

Q. What are the tax advantages of leaving money to charity?
A. If, after bills are paid, you leave money and possessions worth more than a set threshold, currently £263,000, there may be 40% inheritance tax to pay on the balance over that amount.

However, legacies to a charity like the National Trust for Scotland are exempt from inheritance and capital gains taxes. Consequently, any gift should be received in full and before any tax is charged. For instance, a legacy of £10,000 to the Trust might save an inheritance tax charge of £4,000. It is recommended that you ask your solicitor or other professional adviser about the best ways to reduce tax, including through donations, in your will.

Q. What will it cost me?
A. Contact your solicitor to find out. It might cost nothing or very little, and your solicitor will tell you whether a simple letter might do or whether a more formal document needs to be completed.

Q. Is a small legacy really any use?
A. Absolutely. Even though some of the bills we have to meet for the protection and maintenance of old buildings and huge areas of countryside throughout Scotland can be large, general legacies are pooled to help meet them. This is why we are very grateful for any amount left to us. Please believe that whatever you are kind enough to leave will make a real difference to our work. For example, a donation singly or collectively totalling £500 can provide hands-on activities for a children’s Nature Room. £1,000, provides a tower scaffold to safely inspect plaster ceilings; £2,500 can pay for lawn drainage; £7,500 can build a boulder field to combat coastal erosion; and £35,000 would re-route electricity cables underground.

If you have any other questions about leaving a legacy to the National Trust for Scotland please send them to ask our Legacy Manager at legacy@nts.org.uk