Fourth series kicks off with surprising insights on Scottish legend, Flora MacDonald
Love Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) podcast presented by NTS President, Jackie Bird, has returned for a fourth season. Each week, the podcast uncovers spellbinding stories from Scotland’s history, starting with the remarkable tale of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
The inaugural episode of season four sees former BBC Reporting Scotland anchor, Jackie Bird, sit down with author Flora Fraser as they take a deep dive into the life of Flora MacDonald, the 24-year-old unlikely heroine who helped assist the defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from Benbecula to the Isle of Skye in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden.
While immortalised in the Skye Boat Song, Flora MacDonald’s life beyond that dramatic escape is little understood by most, despite being of great historic interest. In this fascinating first episode, Flora Fraser, author of the forthcoming biography, Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora MacDonald, explores who Flora really was, how she came to help Prince Charles and what happened to her in the years that followed.
As Scotland’s leading independent conservation charity, the Trust cares for over 100 sites across the country, spanning from castles and coastlines, art to architecture and wildlife. Episodes of Love Scotland range from thrilling tales about some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, to exploring Scotland’s history of ghost stories. Guests also discuss issues close to the Trust’s heart including conservation and sustainability.
Jim Whyteside, Interim Director of Customer & Cause at National Trust for Scotland, said: “The Love Scotland podcast is a fantastic way for us to further engage with everyone that is just as fascinated as us by the wealth of stories and heritage Scotland has to offer.
“We are excited to continue to have incredibly interesting guests on each week, having the chance to share our history with those tuning in from across the world and give our heritage the voice it truly deserves.”
Highlighting one of the Trust’s key pillars in driving forward its ten-year-strategy rolled out earlier this year: Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone. The charity aims to engage the public with the vast array of secrets and stories of Scotland ready to be told, and highlights the work constantly being done to conserve our country’s rich history. Keen listeners are in luck this season as the Trust has changed its upload schedule from bi-weekly to weekly with a brand-new episode coming out every Friday.
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland visit: www.nts.org.uk.
The scruffiest pooch, the most precious pup and the best owner / dog lookalike are just some of the categories which will be judged at Doghailes, a festival for dogs which will be held at the National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes on Sunday 31 July.
The historic estate will be transformed into Doghailes as hounds from across the country descend on the stunning estate which is located on the edge of Musselburgh in East Lothian.
Canine companions can try their paw at a vast array of competitions, including best fancy dress, waggiest tail and the most golden oldie.
Have-a-go activities especially for dogs will keep pups entertained, and delicious food and drink will be on offer at the day-long festival. Tickets cost £2 per entry, making it a great value option for an excitement-filled day, all while contributing towards the conservation of Scottish heritage.
Claire Grant, Operations Manager for Edinburgh, said, “We are thrilled to once again welcome dogs and their owners to Newhailes for our annual Doghailes festival.
“Newhailes’ 34 acres of parkland and woodland is home to a wide range of Scottish wildlife and with unspoilt views across the River Forth, the Estate is very popular with dog walkers.
“Doghailes provides us with a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate a fun day in our beautiful grounds.”
Established in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation charity and 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, Newhailes and to plan your summer itinerary, visit: www.nts.org.uk.
With over 100 sites across the country, including six in and around Edinburgh, and activities for all interests, spend your summer with the National Trust for Scotland:
The National Trust for Scotland is offering visitors the opportunity to spend their summer exploring the nature, beauty and heritage of Scotland, with a different site to discover each day, alongside lots of fun-packed summer activities to try across Edinburgh and the surrounds.
Summer officially starts today, 21 June, shortly followed by the school holidays, and families will be looking for inspiration to fill those long summer days. The Edinburgh area alone offers a wealth of opportunity for the summer months, with sites including the Georgian House and Newhailes House in Musselburgh.
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.
From paddling and kayaking at Kintail, to conquering Ben Lomond, whirling through the Wild Wood at Crathes Castle, going down the rabbit hole at Brodie Castle’s Playful Garden, minding your Ps and Qs at Robert Smail’s Printing Works, or drinking in the breath-taking views at Glencoe National Nature Reserve, summer fun abounds with the National Trust for Scotland.
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, such as the tranquil Malleny Garden and the carefully restored Gladstone’s Land on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for just £1.
For families searching for budget-friendly ways to keep children amused during the holidays, the Trust has a packed programme to help with summer holiday planning. Events taking place across the Edinburgh area include Doghailes on 31 July at Newhailes House, a fun dog event for all the family with competitions, food and drink and lots of activities for furry four-legged friends.
For those looking to embrace the health and wellbeing benefits of the outdoors there’s no shortage of breath-taking views to discover and gardens to enjoy.
Inveresk Lodge Garden is a peaceful spot tucked away in a charming village near Musselburgh while Malleny Garden is the place to go to see heritage roses sat beneath 400-year-old-yew trees.
Additionally, for people looking to soak up some culture and discover more about Scotland’s heritage, the Trust holds a wealth of stories and objects which have been passed down through the centuries at some of Scotland’s most notable historical homes, large and small.
The Georgian House in Edinburgh’s New Town has an interesting collection of paintings, costumes and period furnishings, while the immersive visitor experience at Gladstone’s Land takes you through three centuries of the building’s history.
Under an hour outside the city, you’ll also find The Royal Burgh of Culross where you can experience the paranormal in an after-hours tour of Culross Palace, or, if you prefer a more peaceful experience, Dollar Glen provides a serene green escape.
And if all of that isn’t enough, The Trust is also hosting a programme of events throughout the summer, including:
Doghailes 22 – a firm favourite for canine lovers, Doghailes takes place at Newhailes Estate, Musselburgh, on 31 July.
Redcoats in Residence – Alan Breck’s Regiment bring a Jacobite re-enactment to Gladstone’s Land on the 9 July. Meet soldiers of the Edinburgh city Guard as they support the army’s plans to march out against Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Carhailes 22– Carhailes is back, and its bigger and better then ever, with iconic cars old and new gracing Newhailes estate on 28 August.
Ceilidh in the Courtyard– an evening of dancing and amazing music brought to you by the Scottish fiddle Orchestra will be held in the stables courtyard of Newhailes estate on 13August.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of The National Trust for Scotland,said: “The last two years have been a difficult time for us all, but our charity was pleased that our countryside and gardens were able to provide respite to many.
“As the country gets back on its feet post-pandemic, we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our places and helping them to make the most of a summer free of travel restrictions and lockdowns.
“At the Trust we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences. Whether attending one of our creative events, enjoying an engaging historical tour or taking part in an adventure activity, there are lots of ways to enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.
“We want to inspire everyone who spends time at our places and encourage even more people to discover the National Trust for Scotland. With so many of our beautiful places, spread all over Scotland, visitors could explore a different one every day of the summer holidays and still have more to discover. We look forward to welcoming back regular visitors, reconnecting with those we’ve missed over the past few years, and welcoming new audiences this summer to experience nature, beauty and heritage.”
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.
The initiative between National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses Scotland, seeks to engage the next generation with Scotland’s heritage
The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses Scotland, today announces the relaunch of its campaign to offer all Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders access to over 600 historic sites across the country for only £1.
The initiative encourages young people to get out and explore many of the historic sites Scotland has to offer. With natural and built sites across the country there’s an experience for everyone to enjoy, from stunning landscapes through to castles, magnificent gardens, historic dwellings, and significant places, such as the battlefields on which the nation’s future turned.
The £1 offer means that anyone aged 11-25 with a Young Scot National Entitlement Card will be able to visit 100 National Trust for Scotland properties, such as the spectacular Culzean Castle in Ayrshire and the carefully restored Gladstone’s Land in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It also enables access to over 70 Historic Environment Scotland properties across the length and breadth of the country, including iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.
In addition to offering £1 entry to all National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland sites, Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders can also access the following Historic Houses Scotland sites this year: Inveraray Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Blair Castle, Hopetoun House, Cawdor Castle, Floors Castle & Drummond Castle.
Originally introduced in 2018, the initiative has seen young people across the country save hundreds of thousands of pounds in entry fees to enjoy and explore Scotland’s rich heritage.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said:“The last two years have been a challenging time for all of us and exploration of the beautiful places Scotland has to offer was a cherished respite.
“Now that we are largely free from restrictions, we hope to welcome more people back to our sites and encourage young people with a Young Scot card to get out there and explore the wealth of places available to them across the country.
“At the Trust we know how much of a positive impact access to Scotland’s heritage can have on wellbeing and happiness and we hope to share this with the next generation – something so important to us that we’ve made engagement with young people one of our key aims in our new strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone. Since 2018, we’ve seen many young people at our sites reaping the benefits of the reduced £1 entry and we look forward to welcoming many more in the coming months.”
Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive of Young Scot, commented: “Young Scot is delighted to be continuing our partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses Scotland – and supporting young people to access Scotland’s remarkable historic sites using their free Young Scot National Entitlement Card.
“If they are under 22 years old, they are also eligible for free nationwide bus travel using their card, making it even easier to enjoy the hundreds of historic sites Scotland offers.”
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We are delighted to once more be a part of this initiative and be able to offer Young Scot cardholders the opportunity to explore many of our historic sites for only £1.
“This summer I would like to encourage as many of Scotland’s young people as possible to take advantage of this initiative and explore some of our much-loved heritage attractions, from castles to cairns, and enjoy our rich and diverse historic environment and the many benefits it brings.”
Andrew Hopetoun, Chairman of Historic Houses Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with this initiative. We represent the nation’s largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens and are here to ensure these historic homes stay alive for generations to come.
“Making these sites more accessible to young people is of huge importance to us and we hope that Young Scot card holders enjoy exploring our fascinating homes.”
Young Scot Card holders aged 11-25 will be able to access over 600 sites across the country. Since the scheme first started in 2018 sites including Crathes Castle, Pollok House and Brodick Castle have proven to be most popular with Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders.
To find out more and explore the full list of properties and locations available as part of the scheme, please visit all participating organisations’ websites:
The National Trust for Scotland is offering people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians the opportunity to play a part in the future of Scotland’s heritage.
By joining Scotland’s leading conservation charity at one of seven Trust sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians individuals can make the most of the health and wellbeing benefits of working in Scotland’s beautiful nature, while telling the stories of Scotland’s history and preserving important sites, such as Gladstone’s Land and House of the Binns for generations to come.
Last month the National Trust for Scotland launched its new 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, which outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead – from becoming carbon negative through to speaking up for Scotland’s heritage that doesn’t have a voice and increasing visitor numbers to more than 6 million per year. To support its ambitions, the charity is recruiting for 300 roles across Scotland.
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Trust is recruiting for a variety of roles, including several of which are brand new positions for 2022. Together, these roles will contribute directly to the charity’s ambitious objectives across conservation, engagement and sustainability.
There are opportunities to be part of the team working hard behind the scenes with roles such as Nature and Landscape Data Officer and Maintenance Surveyor, among others available at the Trust’s Headquarters in Edinburgh. if you want to work in one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is recruiting for Visitor Service Assistants to share their enthusiasm and passion with visitors.
In East Lothian, an exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the bustling kitchen within Newhailes Estate where every scone baked and sold helps save Scotland’s heritage.
Other Lothian roles available include Visitor Services Assistants, Supervisors, and Manager positions at House of the Binns and Preston Mill.
With sites such as The Georgian House and Preston Mill known for their links to TV, fans of Outlander, Landward and The Secret Agent can walk in the footsteps of their heroes every day as they take on the role of Visitor Service Assistant.
Stuart Maxwell, General Manager, Edinburgh and East, National Trust for Scotland said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the Trust, particularly following the launch of Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone and the big ambitions we have for the next ten years. With a range of vacancies at our properties, there is always something new to uncover and no two days are ever the same.
“With opportunities ranging from Gardener to Catering roles, there are so many different ways to play a part in sharing the stories of our rich heritage with visitors from all over the world, all while preserving it to ensure it’s there for future generations to discover.
“We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of others through access to Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, and who want to get up and head to a job they love every day with a team who share their enthusiasm.”
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and the vacancies available across Edinburgh and the Lothians, visit www.nts.org.uk/careers.
The conservation charity launches ambitious 10-year strategy, aims include:
Commitment to become carbon negative by 2031, as Scotland’s largest independent conservation charity
Expanding the number of people welcomed to Trust sites across Scotland to more than 6 million people per year by 2032
Investment of £38 million in the care of the Trust’s places within the next three years, and £100 million across the lifetime of the strategy
Commitment to increasing the Trust’s learning work, through developing skills and new learning and research programmes
Today conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, has unveiled a new strategy – Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, as it refocuses its vision of caring for, sharing, and speaking up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage.
The bold strategy will be delivered over the next ten years as the Trust works towards its centenary in 2031, by which point it intends to be carbon negative.
Chief Executive Philip Long OBE says the strategy is a ‘firm renewing’ of the charity’s commitment to its founding principles of caring for Scotland’s special places and working to make these places as accessible as possible and inspirational for all.
The charity also revealed for the first-time figures which show the scale of its social and economic impact on Scotland. Economically, the direct and indirect impacts of the National Trust for Scotland in 2019-20 are estimated at 7,430 jobs, which can also be expressed as £148 million Gross Value Added.
However, the study went further, using feedback from member and visitor surveys to identify the proportion of visitors who gain strong positive wellbeing benefits that they are unable to obtain elsewhere. When these proportions were applied, it equates to an additional £73 million of annual social value.
And these figures are set to grow further, as the charity is currently recruiting for around 300 seasonal and permanent roles to deliver its new ten-year vision, which has been created to ensure the Trust’s places are cared for and bring benefit to Scotland’s people and communities for years to come.
Recognising the integral role that members play in the future of the charity, from championing Scotland’s heritage through to speaking up for the invaluable work the Trust does, the new strategy also outlines the Trust’s commitment to grow its diverse membership base to over half a million people across Scotland over the next ten years.
At the heart of the strategy is a programme of projects and investment, with a spend of £38 million planned for 2021 – 2024, and with the intention to invest £100 million across the lifetime of the strategy, supported by the Trust’s fundraising work.
Hundreds of individual projects are planned and on top of that there will be many new initiatives to create opportunities to get more people involved in, and learn from, Scotland’s heritage.
Projects include:
On the Isle of Canna, the Trust is continuing to work in partnership with the community, restoring Canna House to better care for its collections as well as developing new visitor and community facilities.
On Staffa, one of Scotland’s most important islands for seabirds, geology and cultural heritage, the Trust is improving the island infrastructure and further conserving and protecting this special place of natural beauty that has influenced artists, musicians and writers from around the world since its ‘discovery’ in the 18th century.
The Corrieshalloch Visitor Gateway in Ross-shire will be a new addition to the National Nature Reserve with one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges of its type in the British Isles. It currently has no visitor facilities, so the Trust is improving access with a much needed, sensitively designed visitor gateway building, to help visitors enjoy and find out more about Corrieshalloch’s wonderful nature. This project is supported by the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund which is led by NatureScot and funded through the European Regional Development Fund.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the Threave Landscape Restoration Project is transforming 81 hectares of land at Kelton Mains into rich habitats for flora and fauna, restoring the site’s wetlands and native woodlands.
The new strategy is the most collaborative in the National Trust for Scotland’s 90-year history and has been shaped by its employees, volunteers, members, supporters, partners and communities, through consultation which has aimed to find out what the Trust’s places need and what people want from the National Trust for Scotland in the coming years.
This feedback informed three ‘pillars’ of activity: conservation, engagement and sustainability, which combine to deliver the Trust’s charitable purpose.
These pillars are served by eleven strategic objectives which will support the Trust in its work to protect and share Scotland’s special places and minimise the charity’s environmental impact.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We’ve begun an exciting new chapter for the National Trust for Scotland, building on the experience, knowledge and skills we’ve gathered over the last 90 years, throughout which time our charity has received phenomenal support from its members and many others.
“Everyone can benefit from Scotland’s heritage and from the work of the Trust, and in the years ahead we want to involve as many people as possible in this. Our new strategy is a response to all that our charity has achieved over its long history, and to the current health, economic and environmental challenges which affect everyone.
“In creating our new strategy we’ve set out a framework that charts our ambitions for the Trust’s tenth decade, describing our intended achievements: from becoming carbon negative by 2031, through to championing Scotland’s heritage for everyone, restoring and protecting habitats, historic buildings and landscapes and uncovering and sharing more of our nation’s stories to a larger and more diverse audience of 6 million annual visitors.
“We’re also recruiting colleagues to bring even more experience to our dedicated and passionate team throughout the country, to allow us to realise these ambitions.”.
For more information on Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, and to learn more about the strategy and its objectives, visit: www.nts.org.uk/our-work/our-strategy.
The world’s first ever UNESCO trail, bringing together some of Scotland’s most iconic, diverse and culturally significant sites, has been launched.
Scotland’s UNESCO Trail connects the country’s 13 place-based UNESCO designations, including World Heritage Sites, Biospheres, Global Geoparks and Creative Cities to form a dedicated digital trail.
It aims to take visitors on a cultural journey across the country experiencing everything from history to science, music, design and literature to nature and cityscapes.
Designed specifically to support ambitions to make Scotland a world-leading responsible tourism destination, Scotland’s UNESCO Trail encourages visitors to stay longer, visit all year round, make sustainable travel choices, explore more widely and at the right time of the year, and in turn, contribute to the sustainable quality of life of those communities surrounding the designated sites.
The digital trail – which is available on www.visitscotland.com/unesco-trail – showcases the breadth of culturally astounding UNESCO designations on offer across Scotland, providing information and inspiration to visitors across the world. It also celebrates businesses and communities that are committed to responsible tourism business practices and promotes sustainable travel options.
Scotland is the first nation in the world to create such a pioneering initiative. Developed through a unique partnership between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland’s 13 UNESCO designations, the project has received £360,000 funding from the Scottish Government to support the strategy for the sustainable recovery of Scottish tourism.
Tourism Minister Ivan McKee officially launched the trail in Dundee, the UNESCO City of Design, by unveiling a specially commissioned design by illustrator and printmaker, Jagoda Sadowska, a graduate of the city’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art.
The design has been printed onto a door, which will be incorporated into the city’s Open Close tour as a permanent legacy of the trail.
Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said: “Scotland has always been a pioneering nation and I’m pleased to see we’re leading the way with the world’s first UNESCO digital trail.
“Tourism is key to Scotland’s economy and as we begin to recover from the pandemic, this collaboration between the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, NatureScot and UNESCO could not be more timely.
“Supported by £360,000 of Scottish Government funding, the UNESCO Trail will help to attract and welcome both domestic and international visitors again, by showcasing Scotland’s unique cultural heritage and many UNESCO sites. As we approach COP26, I’m pleased to see that the UNESCO trail has sustainability at its core and will help visitors make responsible and sustainable choices by highlighting green accredited businesses and promoting environmentally friendly travel.”
Francesca Osowska, CEO of NatureScot and Chair of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail Steering Group, said:“The Trail is a hugely exciting global first, inspiring visitors to Scotland to journey through its unique natural and cultural heritage.
“All the designations in the Trail have a distinctive story to tell and we hope that, whether people visit just one, or travel to all the sites, they will be wowed by what they see.
“Responsible tourism and greener travel are at the heart of our ambitions for the UNESCO Trail. This will lead to a more sustainable economy and will help to create better places for people to live and visit in every corner of Scotland. This is so essential as we work to tackle the nature loss and climate change crises and prepare to host COP26.”
VisitScotland Director of Industry and Destination Development, Rob Dickson, said: “There is no other journey like Scotland’s UNESCO Trail and we want to inspire visitors to take a once-in-a-lifetime experience across the country, delving into its history and heritage, experiencing the wonder of its natural assets and the magic that inspires art, music and literature.
“The innovative trail not only showcases the breadth of culturally astounding UNESCO designations we have across Scotland but also the exceptional visitor experiences this trail creates.”VisitScotland is focused on the recovery of the industry, building a destination and visitor experience which allows tourism and events to flourish now and in the future. We’ll continue to work with, and support, businesses to ensure we rebuild this vital part of Scotland’s economy.
“Tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the well-being of everyone who experiences it. “
Professor Anne Anderson, Non-Executive Director at the UK National Commission for UNESCO said: “Scotland’s UNESCO Trail is a world-first bringing together Scotland’s world-class cultural and natural heritage. Not only this, the Trail does so within UNESCO’s broader aims of building peace and sustainable development.
“Across Scotland, these UNESCO designations are local partnerships and communities that protect and promote their outstanding creativity, cultural heritage and the natural environment. By partaking in the Trail, visitors from around the world will rediscover Scotland’s unique treasures, know they are travelling sustainably, and contribute to the communities who maintain these precious places.
“From the stunning mountains of the northwest Highlands, the heart of Neolithic Orkney, the vibrant music scenes of Glasgow, to Edinburgh’s outstanding heritage and literature festivals, there is a wealth of people and places waiting to welcome you.”
Artist Jagoda Sadowska said:“It’s been a great pleasure to be involved in the project. Dundee is a wonderful city and hopefully, with the opening of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, it will get even more recognition and appreciation.
“As someone who recently graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, I feel extremely fortunate to be able to pursue Illustration as a full-time job. Dundee is filled with warm and motivated people that create an encouraging environment for upcoming artists.
“There’s a strong sense of community that is both friendly and welcoming and had a fundamental influence on my practice. Creative Dundee does a wonderful job of connecting people, providing space and opportunities for creatives.
“I hope the Trail can work as a gateway to allow more people to experience the City of Dundee and beyond.”
The full list of designations included in Scotland’s UNESCO Trail are the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere, Dundee UNESCO City of Design, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, Glasgow UNESCO City of Music, Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark, North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, the Forth Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Antonine Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site, Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Kilda World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh volunteer Rosemary Laird is in the midst of a personal grand tour of Scotland, with the aim of visiting 61 iconic Scottish landmarks and locations on an epic fundraiser for the National Trust for Scotland.
Rosemary, who works for Scotland’s national conservation charity as a volunteer at the historic Georgian House in Edinburgh, is on a mission to visit a total of 61 properties during 2021.
That’s one for each birthday, as Rosemary turns 61 this year, and having visited 47 so far, she remains on track to meet her target.
Rosemary explained: “The past year has been quite difficult for everyone and, like many people, my partner and I hoped to get a holiday in this year. With that looking like a distant dream, we decided to turn our efforts to holidaying across Scotland.
“We love the historic properties in the Trust’s care, which are packed full of history and stories to tell. With this in mind, we decided to embark on an adventure and challenge ourselves to check off as many National Trust for Scotland properties this year as physically possible.”
Having worked as a volunteer at Georgian House in Edinburgh for the past two years, Rosemary has a personal connection with the National Trust for Scotland and a deep appreciation of the scale of the work the charity undertakes.
This year, the conservation charity also celebrates a significant birthday: over 90 years it has saved, maintained, and shared many of the country’s most loved places, rich with history, heritage, nature, and culture.
Rosemary and her partner, Donald, are donating £20 for each and every visit on their grand tour of National Trust for Scotland properties and have raised a running total of £940.
“We’re absolutely delighted with all we’ve achieved so far,” says Rosemary. “Highlights from our trips have to be House of Dun in Montrose, Broughton House in Dumfries and Galloway, and the Highland properties, including Inverewe Garden and Culloden Battlefield.”
The National Trust for Scotland relies on its members and donors to protect the places that we all love. Become a member at nts.org.uk.
The National Trust for Scotland recently played host to a Classic Car and Transport Show – the first of its kind at Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.
Families and fans of classic cars flocked to the historic house and gardens to admire gleaming automobiles on Sunday 29 August. This is the latest stellar event hosted at Newhailes – from the adorable Doghailes, celebrating our best furry friends, and a concert by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
Claire Grant, Operations Manager Edinburgh, for the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We love Newhailes – it’s a special place for our community. We’ve been delighted to showcase the house and gardens by holding exciting events through the summer.
“From crowning the best dog lookalike, to poignant fiddle music, to the gorgeous vehicles on display at our latest event – Newhailes has played host to diverse events and audiences. We love welcoming visitors to Newhailes – look out for future fun family events!”
Newhailes House & Gardens is a stunning place which played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment.
The estate is complete with a Palladian mansion, woodland walks and the recently renovated Stables Café, as well as Weehailes Adventure Playpark. Newhailes has something for all the family to enjoy.
Musselburgh’s Palladian mansion became Doghailes for a day of canine fun
The scruffiest dogs, most precious pups and waggiest tails were all on display on Saturday as the grand estate of Newhailes became Doghailes for the day.
The Palladian mansion in Musselburgh, which is cared for and run by Scotland’s conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland, welcomed dogs of all shapes and sizes for a day of events and activities celebrating man’s best friend.
Taking centre stage was a dog show with a difference, with prizes including Best Lookalike and Best Rescue.
Claire Grant, the National Trust for Scotland’s Edinburgh Operations Manager, said: “It was great to welcome so many visitors and their four-legged friends to Newhailes at the weekend.
“Newhailes is a very dog-friendly property with lovely walks in our surrounding estate which we know our visitors love. After such a challenging past year and a half, it was great to see so many happy – and furry – faces, enjoying the day at our beautiful property!”
Among the winners was ‘hippy dog’ Rubin, a 13-month-old Poodle. Far out, man!
