Make the most of the summer holidays with the National Trust for Scotland

With over 100 sites across the country, ensure the last few days of summer holidays are memorable with the National Trust for Scotland 

With just a week left of the school holidays this summer you can make the most of it by exploring the nature, beauty and heritage of Scotland at National Trust for Scotland sites across the country. 

Summer holidays will come to a close soon but there is still plenty of time to try some of the fun-packed summer activities available at National Trust for Scotland locations. From outdoor theatre experiences, opportunities to learn with the Ben Lomond ranger service and a festival for the whole family to enjoy at Brodie Castle from the 12^th to the 14^th of August, there are lots of activities choose from this summer.

New and existing members of the conservation charity can visit its 129 sites for as little as £5.25 for adults and £9.80 per month for families, equating to just 17p or 32p per day, making it a great value option for excitement-filled days, all while contributing towards the conservation of Scottish heritage.

Combine nature with the arts with outdoor theatre performances taking place across National Trust for Scotland sites. From Pride and Prejudice at Greenbank Garden in Glasgow to Much Ado About Murder at the House of Dun in Montrose, audiences across Scotland will be enthralled with these special productions. Toes will be tapping in Aberdeen’s Pitmedden Gardens as Abba, Cher and Dolly Parton Tributes play and the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra performs at events throughout August.  

The Trust also recently relaunched its initiative with Young Scot which offers anyone aged 11-25 with a Young Scot National Entitlement Card the chance to visit National Trust for Scotland properties for just £1, to encourage young people to experience the very best of Scotland’s nature and History on their doorstep. 

Family friendly activities will keep youngsters busy including wildlife spotting, outdoor survival skills and identifying nature.

There is the chance to observe the amazing spectacle of hundreds of bats returning to their maternity roost at dawn in Haddo House Courtyard, which is just under an hour’s drive from Aberdeen. Families also can learn Wildlife survival skills like making a fire and tracking animals at Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire.  

Whether you’re looking for beautiful gardens or jaw dropping scenery there’s no shortage of options across the entire country. Take a guided walk around Ben Lomond with one of the rangers and learn to interpret the subtle archaeological traces to reveal a rich story of the past. Or if you’re looking for something easier on the legs, Pitmedden’s newly designed gardens have recently opened, designed by Chris Beardshaw, a 14-time RHS Chelsea flower show gold medallist. 

Established in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage. Membership, which provides funding for Scotland’s largest conservation charity, can be purchased online from just £9.80 per month for families, £5.25 for adults and £3 for children.

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and to plan your summer itinerary, visit: www.nts.org.uk.