Trust encourages responsible access as visitor numbers soar
The guidance follows a record-breaking year where the Trust welcomed more than two million people to its countryside locations in 2024 - its highest ever figures in a record-breaking year for the conservation charity.
David Frew, Head of Mar Lodge Estate at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'Our purpose is to share our places with people, so we're really pleased to have reached our highest ever visitor figures in 2024. We saw a 37 percent increase on the previous year and we want this growth to continue, and we also want to continue to improve access for people who may not have had the chance to explore countryside landscapes in the past.
'A lot of the challenges we face in maintaining our countryside properties come from people who simply don't know what is and is not a responsible way to visit these places, so we want to raise awareness.
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"Many people won't know that seemingly small actions can have large impacts on fragile habitats. This is especially true when multiplied by hundreds of thousands of visitors.
'Fire safety is also an exceptionally important topic, even more so now we are experiencing increased periods of wildfire risk in Scotland and sadly, more wildfires at our places. We encounter dozens and dozens of campfires during these periods and people often just tell us they'll be careful.
"Many people don't realise that fires can ignite underground in areas of peatland and although it appears extinguished on the surface, it can have devastating consequences. And far too often we see a seemingly well-managed fire lose control from just one or two errant embers. We would really appreciate visitors listening to no-fire guidance and helping us protect our landscapes.
"We love sharing our special places with people from around the world, but we ask that everyone treats them with the care and respect they deserve.
"We don't want anyone to feel that the outdoors is beyond their reach, or somewhere they're not welcome, so education and engagement is the easiest way to do this.'
The National Trust for Scotland aims to care for, protect, and share Scotland's nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
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