Latest news with #NTS
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
National Trust for Scotland chair on storms, Covid and saving seabirds
Before reaching this, his final few months as chair of Scotland's largest membership organisation, there would be devastating storms, headline-grabbing controversies, and growing challenges driven by climate change. From battles over battlefields, to ever-expanding wind farms and controversial housing developments pressing up against the nation's treasured landscapes, the past few years had it all. Pitmedden Garden near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, one of 38 gardens in the care of NTS (Image: National Trust for Scotland) Beyond the buildings, in carefully manicured gardens and wild nature reserves there was also the heartbreak of avian influenza. Cutting a deadly swathe through seabird colonies in Trust-run landscapes including St Kilda, St Abbs and Fair Isle, it left dedicated NTS rangers devastated. At one stage, redundancy fears loomed for staff. A handful of much-loved properties were sold and questions hung over the future of others - some suggested even the First Minister's official residence, Bute House, might be moved on. It was, by anyone's reckoning, a baptism of fire. Read more: Yet Sir Mark's announcement this week that he will step aside in August after six rollercoaster years comes accompanied not with regret, but with something of a glowing report card. The Trust, it seems, hasn't just weathered the storm - quite literally in the case of January's Storm Éowyn, which toppled more than 10,000 trees across its properties - but has emerged stronger, more resilient, and crucially, more popular than ever. Between March last year and February this year, over 5.6 million visitors passed through the Trust's sites. It is a record-breaking figure, up by 1.1 million on the previous year and the highest in its 90-year history. Glencoe National Nature Reserve led the charge with more than one million visitors, closely followed by Glenfinnan Monument and The Hermitage in Perthshire, each drawing around half a million people. St Abb's Head near Eyemouth is among eight nature reserves in the care of National Trust for Scotland (Image: National Trust for Scotland) Given where the Trust found itself in spring 2020 - with doors locked, all 492 permanent staff at risk of redundancy, and warnings that some 'non-heritage' land and property could face sale - the turnaround has been remarkable. Reflecting on two terms as Chair during which he's led a Board of Trustees in the task of overseeing the work of NTS Chief Executive Philip Long and his team, it's impossible for Sir Mark to ignore the looming shadow of Covid. Before the pandemic, his hope for the Trust were clear: stabilise finances, grow membership, and start laying foundations for the 2031 centenary. 'I felt in some ways that NTS had a varied but occasionally troubled past,' he recalls of the period leading up to his appointment. 'And I was concerned that the Trust should be - and be seen to be - financially viable.' Then lockdown came. 'It looked pretty grim to begin with,' he says. 'It was highly disruptive. No one could visit our properties, and quite a lot of people's jobs, at least temporarily, ceased to exist.' A £28 million income loss was on the cards and an emergency public appeal for £2.7 million was launched. NTS property The Tenement House tells the story of Glasgow family life (Image: National Trust for Scotland) Yet as Scots reconnected with nature and heritage on their doorsteps, something shifted. Government support helped, as did the generosity of donors, the loyalty of Trust members and its army of volunteers and staff. 'It was much less bad than we had feared,' Sir Mark reflects. 'NTS worked very hard to sustain membership and to keep in touch with people, to reassure them about the future. I think on the whole, it recovered reasonably quickly.' Indeed, the crisis would in some ways breathe new life into the organisation. It parted ways with its controversial president, Neil Oliver, whose outspoken views on politics jarred with some members. It also began the delicate process of exploring uncomfortable histories linked to colonialism and slavery, bringing long-sidelined stories to the forefront. While many Trust buildings are rooted firmly in the past, in recent years the organisation's voice become increasingly present-day and outspoken, particularly around contentious planning issues that threaten to overwhelm natural landscapes or encroach on historically significant sites. Plans for a horse trotting track near the Battle of Bannockburn site were turned down last month after NTS objections There was, for instance, the Trust's high-profile rallying cry over a proposed horse harness racing track on land at Bannockburn, scene of the 1314 battle and NTS heritage centre. Now, as Sir Mark prepares to hand over the reins, he is clear: the Trust's voice should continue to grow louder in the face of Scotland's conservation challenges. Seabirds, and the looming issue of offshore windfarms, are high on his mind. From the puffins of St Kilda to the gannets of St Abb's Head and Fair Isle's Great Skua colony, the Trust is custodian to some of the country's most important seabird colonies. The dramatic cliffs of St Abbs Head attract seabird colonies (Image: National Trust for Scotland) While few would argue against the need for renewable energy, Sir Mark is mindful of the risks it can pose to nature. 'We all recognise the importance of tackling climate change and supporting actions like offshore wind,' he says. 'But we also have to be aware of the terrible toll that can be exacted on seabird populations by these enormous offshore wind installations. 'We need to work with others in the field to ensure we get the maximum benefit with the minimum harm.' The Trust has spoken out loudly against the proposed windfarm at Berwick Bank, off its St Abbs Nature Reserve, pointing out that developer SSE Renewables, have predicted a far higher seabird mortality for it than for other UK windfarm. With up to 307 turbines across an area four times the size of Edinburgh and just 23 miles off important seabird colonies, SSE Renewables' own estimates suggest more than 31,000 bird collisions over its projected 35-year lifespan. NTS fears for its "seabird cities" of guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills that make their nests on the steep cliffs of its St Abbs reserve. Read more by Sandra Dick: It's becoming used to making its voice heard: the Trust helped secure a ban on industrial sandeel fishing in the North Sea, arguing with other organisations of its critical role as a food source for seabirds. Looking ahead, Sir Mark suggests it's likely the Trust will take a more active stance as new renewable developments and the vast powerline infrastructure they require begin to reshape Scotland's landscapes. 'We know that upgrading the connectors needed to carry electricity from offshore wind platforms to the rest of the country are likely to be increasingly controversial,' he adds. 'There may be - and in one case there will be - large overhead lines crossing Scotland. 'I think there's going to be a real discussion over to what extent it makes sense to underground part or the whole of some of these connectors. 'We are part of nature ourselves,' he adds, highlighting the Trust's gardens, land holdings and agricultural interests. 'It's a complicated relationship, but one we need to get right.' St Kilda's gannets in flight - seabird colonies at NTS sites were decimated by avian influenza (Image: National Trust for Scotland) Beyond seabirds and cables, there's Scotland's crumbling built heritage to consider. Sir Mark, former Director of both the National Museums of Scotland and London's Victoria & Albert Museum, speaks passionately about the Trust's work to maintain and safeguard properties, from Canna House in the Inner Hebrides, the one time home of Gaelic culture collectors John Lorne Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw, to the recent "surprising" visit he made to Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace in Ecclefechan. He has a particular fondness for the work of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, singling out the Trust's interior décor project at Holmwood House in Glasgow as a particular triumph. Meanwhile, Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House and the original Willow Tea Rooms building – both in the Trust's care - remain close to his heart. They are success stories, but he remains concerned that more effort should be put into protecting the pair's achievements. Mackintosh at the Willow in Sauchiehall Street, a recent addition to the NTS portfolio of buildings (Image: National Trust for Scotland and Mackintosh at the Willow) For example, should NTS ever have a bottomless pit of money, Thomson's Category A Listed Egyptian Halls in Union Street would top his personal wish list of buildings he'd love to see saved. That, of course, is a dream. But, he adds: 'One doesn't need to say you are going to take on the whole responsibility of a building to say that we think that it's preservation is important and it's future needs to be assured.' Read more by Sandra Dick: Indeed, as he makes way for his replacement Chair, the current Electoral Commissioner Scotland and Convener of Court at the University of Strathclyde, Dame Sue Bruce, it's with a hope that the Trust's voice will grow ever stronger. She takes over at the end of summer, at a time of growing membership that is already closing in on the ambitious 500,000 target contained in the Trust's ten-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone strategy. Launched in 2022, it also targets investing £100 million investment in its sites, something Sir Mark states is already well on course. He goes confident for the organisation's future beyond it's 100th year. 'I feel really confident in my successor and the team that she will find in place,' he adds. 'I'm not worried about the future of the Trust. If anything, there are regrets about leaving it. 'The next few years will be exciting. Looking forward to the centenary in 2031, with a whole programme working up towards that at the heart of which will be a new centenary garden at Newhailes House, which will be fabulous.' NTS property Newhailes House near Musselburgh, where a centenary garden is planned to mark the organisation's centenary (Image: National Trust for Scotland) As for his own plans, there's time to enjoy his seven grandchildren, his Edinburgh bookshop, and to work on his forthcoming book about the landscape artist Algernon Newton. There's not much he would change about the last few years, one of the most tumultuous—and transformational—periods in the Trust's history. Except, perhaps, the obvious. 'It would have been wonderful if we hadn't had Covid – and fewer hurricanes would have been nice,' he laughs.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Major repairs project completed on 'beloved' Scottish island
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) undertook a significant nine-month programme of work to reduce congestion and improve the experience of the tens of thousands of annual visitors when arriving and leaving the island. TSL Contractors Ltd, based nearby at Craignure, Isle of Mull, carried out the work on the landing jetty while an Environmental Clerk of Works monitored the environmental and wildlife impact, and a biosecurity and breeding bird protection plan was followed. READ MORE: To mitigate disruption to wildlife and the busiest time of the visitor season, the work was undertaken during the autumn, winter, and spring months. Difficult conditions over the winter meant that many scheduled working days were lost because crews could not access the island, or because extreme waves made the jetty unsafe to work on. This phase of infrastructure upgrades is part of a complex multi-year project that will also include work to replace the staircase to the upper island and puffin colony. All works are being undertaken with great care for nature, with special consideration for seabirds, NTS said. Clea Warner, Regional Director of the Highlands & Islands at NTS, said: 'Staffa draws visitors from around the world and is one of the country's most beloved islands. It is also an important site for cultural and natural heritage with its wildlife, geology, and dramatic scenery. 'As a conservation charity, we're proud to share this special place with people but it's our responsibility to both protect the island and its nature, as well as make visitors' experiences as enjoyable as possible. We have worked hard to minimise disruption during this project, and we thank members of the local community for their patience as this work progressed. The completed jetty (Image: NTS) 'This is a key project in the Trust's 10-year strategy to care for, share, and protect Scotland's nature, beauty, and heritage for everyone to enjoy, and we hope that our work on Staffa will ensure continued access to this important National Nature Reserve for many more decades.' The Staffa infrastructure project is supported by Argyll and Bute Council and VisitScotland through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, and by funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Earth Trust. Will Boyd-Wallis, Operations Manager for the North West Highlands at NTS, said: 'This was an extremely challenging and ambitious project. The jetty is intertidal, so much of the work could only be carried out at low tides and in good conditions. This meant that many working days were lost over the winter and we experienced significant delays. 'Thanks to the perseverance of the whole team, the newly improved jetty is now ready for use. It has been very well designed by Galmstrup Architects to sit alongside the stunning curved natural basalt columns around Clamshell Cave and there is now much more room for visitors getting on and off the boats. The Iolaire at the new Staffa Jetty (Image: Picture courtesy of Staffa Trips) "We'd like to thank Argyll and Bute Council, VisitScotland, and players of People's Postcode Lottery for the funding they have provided to support this project, and all the local boat operators for their assistance and cooperation during the jetty closure. This investment in such an important and iconic place will be of benefit not only for visitors to Staffa, but also for the local community, and tourism in the region for many years to come.' The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Jim Lynch, said: 'Staffa is a truly unique and beautiful island, well-known throughout the world for its cultural and geological significance. I am delighted that we have been able to help fund this vital preservation work to make it easier for more people to access this historical gem and protect it for future generations.' Staffa has been in the care of NTS since 1986. It's a world-famous National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and sits in the centre of the Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull National Scenic Area. The sea around Staffa is also a Marine Protected Area and Special Area of Conservation. The Staffa project supports the NTS's vision to care for, protect, and share Scotland's nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
In pictures: Revamp of tiny Staffa's jetty and steps completed
A nine-month project to improve visitor access to the uninhabited isle of Staffa has been Trust for Scotland (NTS) said it was one of the most complex projects it had undertaken due to the location and weather and helicopters were needed to get the materials and contractors to and from Staffa for the work upgrading a 30-year-old jetty and set of is famed for its hexagonal basalt rock columns, which were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, as well as its Fingal's Cave and birdlife. The tiny island, seven miles (11km) west of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides, attracts about 120,000 tourists a people visit to see its puffins and Fingal's Cave, which inspired a piece of music by 19th century German composer Felix sea cave was formed more than 50 millions years ago, and is at least 69m (227ft) long. The island's jetty and steps up to the top of the island, along with footpaths, were upgraded at a cost of about £ concrete steps were dyed the same colour as the natural rock to better blend them into the said the work was done during autumn, winter and spring to avoid causing disruption to wildlife and the trust said difficult weather conditions over the winter meant many scheduled working days were lost because crews could not access the island, or because extreme waves made the jetty unsafe to work on.
STV News
13-06-2025
- General
- STV News
Gaelic scholars' island home reopens after major restoration
A Gaelic treasure trove has been reopened after a museum restoration on Canna in the Hebrides. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) spent nine years restoring the home of late Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell. The ecologist and his wife, American photographer and folklorist Margaret Fay Shaw, bequeathed the island to the charity after amassing a vast archive of Gaelic music, folklore and culture. The eclectic mix showcases the couple's life together and their mission to preserve and promote all things Gaelic. The archive is considered to be hugely significant. Academic Hugh Cheape, a friend of the Campbells, had the honour of reopening the venue to the public. He said: 'It is focused on Gaelic affairs but always in the wider context – for example what had been happening in the past in Europe, the links between a place where we're standing here today and France and Rome, Spain. 'There was an international element in it, always.' NTS chief executive Phil Long hoped the late couple would be proud of the tireless work carried out to conserve the property and their possessions. He said: 'They wanted to create a place here on the isle of Canna that was not just about the house and the life that they lived here, and the entertainment they provided to many people that came. 'It was also about the overall culture of the island which continues to be a living community here.' In a region often struggling to retain its lifeblood, Canna's 22-strong, pro-active population is upbeat for the future and now boasts three children under the age of four – two of them born this year. It hopes the tiny island's school, mothballed several years ago, will reopen in the not too distant future. With the Canna House conservation project complete and a new community-led visitor hub thriving, the community has its sights set on building new affordable homes with sustainability the key to its vision. Isebail MacKinnon of the Canna Community Development Trust said: 'If we have housing, if we have economic opportunities and if we have a school – and now we've got our community owned shop and our community owned visitor hub – people can come and look at the island and make a plan about how they might want to be here and sustain themselves.' The meticulous work of the NTS team aimed to create an atmosphere to provide visitors a sense that 'someone has just left the room,' with a warm, lived-in feel throughout the house. Gaelic song and language fill the air, as audio devices are triggered when visitors move through each room. The couple's extensive collection of personal items acquired over a lifetime are displayed throughout in an organic and eclectic way, showcasing how the house would have looked in the mid-20th Century. Extensive repairs were made to the house where the Campbells lived between 1938 and 2004, to withstand the Hebridean weather and protect its contents. NTS operations manager Angus Murray said: 'We've worked hard to create an atmosphere that reflects Canna House in its prime — a home full of music, stories, and Gaelic, just as John and Margaret would have had it. 'As a team, we are excited to share this experience with a new generation of visitors to Canna.' NTS regional director Clea Warner offered her thanks to NTS Foundation USA which has supported a range of projects on Canna, including $600,000 towards the house project. Around 12,000 people visit the island each year. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Gaelic scholars' Canna home reopens after major restoration
The conservation charity says it has aimed to create an atmosphere which will give visitors a sense that 'someone has just left the room', with a warm, lived-in feel throughout the house. Gaelic song and language fill the air as audio devices are triggered when visitors move through rooms which showcase how the house would have looked in the mid-20th century, not long after the Second World War. Extensive repairs have been made to the building, roof and windows of the house to withstand the Hebridean weather and protect its contents, which include an internationally-significant archive collection of Gaelic music, folklore and culture. The former island home of two dedicated Gaelic scholars is welcoming visitors again (Image: Steven Gourlay/NTS) Philip Long, chief executive at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'All of us who have a love for Canna and an appreciation of the important stories this house holds will be delighted to see the incredible condition Canna House is now in. 'Caring for these places is not an easy task, but it is an important one and our charity is privileged to play a part alongside the creative residents, skilled contractors and many others who make projects like this possible. 'I hope everyone, whether they live here, visit often or, after reading this, come for the first time, enjoy the nature, beauty and heritage of this special place.' Mr Campbell bought the Isle of Canna and neighbouring Sanday in 1938, embracing the role of laird and farmer. Alongside his wife, an accomplished photographer and folklorist, they created an extensive archive of Gaelic songs, stories and linguistic material. Mr Campbell and Ms Fay Shaw lived in Canna House until their respective deaths in 1996 and 2004. In 1981, Campbell gifted Canna to the National Trust for Scotland (supported with an endowment from the National Heritage Memorial Fund), along with the couple's vast library, archives and sound recordings. This includes some 1,500 Gaelic folk songs and 350 folk tales, the first recordings of members of the Mi'kmaq nation and more than 5,000 photographic negatives and 25 reels of film spanning 50 years of Gaelic culture on the islands of Canna, Barra, the Uists and Mingulay. The house recently reopened for pre-booked guided tours (Image: Steven Gourlay/NTS) Highlights of the collection are a Dictaphone recording machine, which Mr Campbell used to capture Gaelic speakers in the Western Isles and Cape Breton; his wife's favourite Graflex camera and the Book of Pooni, dedicated to their favourite cat. The house recently reopened for pre-booked guided tours and the team is now looking forward to welcoming more visitors. Operations manager Angus Murray said: 'We've worked hard to create an atmosphere that reflects Canna House in its prime — a home full of music stories, and Gaelic, just as John and Margaret would have had it. 'As a team, we are excited to share this experience with a new generation of visitors to Canna.' READ MORE: The project to fully repair and refurbish Canna House cost £3.6 million. Costs were met by the support of the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, a number of reserved funds held by the National Trust for Scotland intended for conservation projects of this nature, with the balance covered through funds generated by the charity's supporters, fundraising activities and commercial profits. Geraldine MacKinnon, speaking on behalf of the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust, said: 'The Isle of Canna Community Development Trust is pleased that Canna House has now reopened, enabling the public to access Canna House through guided tours and share the wealth of Gaelic culture it holds, along with the local historical and environmental heritage of Canna.'
