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How we care for Scotland’s trees PRODUCTION
Going for gold
See our gardens ablaze with colour this autumn
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T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R PE O PL E W H O LOV E SCOT L A N D
TO ALL OUR
MEMBERS
YOUR SUPPORT AND DONATIONS ENABLE US TO CONTINUE OUR VITAL WORK
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Cover
N AT I O N A L T RU S T F O R SCOT L A N D
THE MAGAZINE FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE SCOTLAND
The Bathroom Company
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WHO’S ON BOARD...
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AILEEN SCOULAR The writer and qualified garden designer explores the secrets behind some of the Trust’s most amazing trees and discovers why they’re so vital to our wildlife. See page 24.
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ROSEMARY GORING The journalist, editor and novelist interviews fellow writer Angus MacDonald to hear the incredible stories behind his Ardnish trio of novels. See page 32.
I
made a special plea to my Trust colleagues to have the personal privilege of writing these words of introduction. My reason is simple: I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the members who stayed with the Trust through lockdown. That’s 95% of you. I would like to say a special thanks to members who have also supported the Save Our Scotland emergency appeal. Thousands of you responded to our urgent request for support and our appeal has now raised £2.5million, which is a tremendous achievement and expression of love for Scotland’s heritage. These vitally needed funds are enabling us to reopen our places, and ensure that so much of what people love about Scotland is protected through our conservation work into the future. Thank you! Hopefully you will have started to see the immediate benefit of your shared generosity by visiting some of the places we’ve been able to reopen as a result of your support. This issue of the magazine also addresses another important subject, this one rooted in the past: transatlantic slavery and its impact on Scotland’s heritage. Organisations like Thank the Trust have an important part to you play in eliminating racism. We can all gain a better understanding of from everybody at the Trust to all our the history of slavery and members. We couldn’t colonialism through the places do everything we and collections in our care – and do without you the more we’re able to understand the past, the better equipped we’ll be to change the present. We are acutely aware of our responsibilites as custodians of Scotland’s heritage, whether that’s caring for trees (page 24) or providing opportunities for families to engage with our landscapes and wildlife (page 43). Thank you for enabling us to continue doing it. Keep happy, keep safe and keep supporting your heritage.
‘Thousands of you responded to our urgent request for support’
Mark Bishop
Director of Customer & Cause ANGELA McMANUS Our assistant editor heads to Branklyn Garden in Perth to meet some of the brilliant Trust members who have pledged their love of Scotland. See page 38.
THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND’S STATEMENT OF NEUTRALITY The National Trust for Scotland is a legally constituted charity independent of government. The Trust was established to further its charitable purposes, which are for the public benefit. The Trust is independent of all political parties and will not participate in any activity which furthers the interests of any political organisation or secures or opposes a change in the law for political purposes. No Trustee or employee of the National Trust for Scotland may in this capacity express political views or offer support for any political party, candidate or politician. The Trust reserves the right to organise and carry out campaigning activity, including bringing influence and pressure to bear on government, ministers, politicians and political parties, or to offer support for specific policies, if this serves its charitable purposes. In such circumstances the Trust will always comply with charity law, civil and criminal laws and codes of conduct as they apply in addition to its fiduciary duties.
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Welcome
FROM E TH UST TR
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Contents, 1
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32 INSPIRED BY SCOTLAND Meet Angus MacDonald, author and Trust supporter, whose historic novels take inspiration from our places
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38 TAKING A STAND We go behind the scenes as our Membership Manifesto is filmed on location
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A TALL ORDER Sheltering wildlife, nurturing the soil and aiding biodiversity: our trees do a magnificent job 50 FOR AULD LANG SYNE How Halloween, Hogmanay and other festivals lift spirits during autumn and winter
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND; DOUGIE CUNNINGHAM; HAMISH CAMPBELL
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43 FRESH START A season of open-air adventures await in our woods, shores, gardens and wild places
Merryn pledges her love for Scotland! See page 38
REGULARS 5 AROUND THE COUNTRY As we gradually reopen after lockdown, find out how we’ll be keeping our visitors safe. Plus: hunting down illicit stills, repelling (botanical) invaders and the latest on our emergency appeal
21 THE WILD SIDE The wildlife of Mull, Staffa and Iona is readying itself for winter 23 ME AND MY TRUST A tranquil welcome awaits Chitra Ramaswamy at the peaceful Malleny Garden
59 YOUR GUIDE Support the Trust and treat yourself with top buys from our shop, including brilliant ideas for Christmas gifts. Plus: our gardener on how to get ahead with your planting for next year
70 YOUR WORLD Social media updates from Trust members 72 I LOVE Years of volunteering for the Trust have given Kelly Morrison a unique insight into the best of Scotland AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 3
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NTS Gift Membership
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Visiting Places, 1
WELCOME BACK
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IT ’S GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK Following the coronavirus lockdown we’ve taken important steps to ensure all our visitors have a safe and enjoyable day out
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s more people venture back to their favourite Trust places, we are working hard to make sure all our visitors have amazing days out at our gardens, estates and buildings while comfortably socially distancing and staying safe. Over the summer we reopened many of our country parks, gardens and countryside places and we are now reopening more of our historic buildings and visitor centres, including the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Crathes Castle and the Hill House. Some of our places are only open on certain days of the week, so make sure to check before your visit and confirm if you need to book ahead. We have also introduced new guided tours at some of our places, to manage numbers safely. When you arrive, look out for signage and follow directions given by staff. We recommend that you leave a little more time for your visit and
We have installed new signage at Culzean Country Park
enjoy the opportunity to explore at a slower pace while maintaining physical distancing. Floor markings can help you keep a safe two-metre distance. Hand sanitiser is provided at many of our places, but consider bringing your own, along with a face covering for when you come indoors. You may find that some of our visitor centre staff are working behind screens and certain areas are closed for safety reasons. Toilet facilities may be more limited than usual, and those that we are able to open are being cleaned regularly throughout the day. Ian McLelland, general manager for the south and west, says he’s received many compliments from visitors to places such as Culzean Castle and Arduaine Garden. ‘Feedback has been very positive and everyone is delighted to be back.’ Find specific guidelines for visiting each of our places at nts.org.uk
‘Leave a little more time and enjoy the opportunity to explore’
THANK YOU
for your patience during the lockdown period. We’re delighted to see you again!
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Emergency Appeal, 1
SAVE OUR SCOTLAND VERSION
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THANK YOU We are deeply grateful for all your support
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e have been overwhelmed by the response to our Save Our Scotland emergency appeal, which has attracted the most significant response of any fundraising drive in our history. ‘I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has donated to this important appeal,’ says chairman Sir Mark Jones. ‘It shows just how much people value Scotland’s landscapes, castles, country houses, gardens and heritage. We truly appreciate each and every donation.’ It has been heart-warming to hear your feedback about why the Trust means so much to you. Gordon and Fiona Thomson from Glasgow told us: ‘We have enjoyed visiting many
Trust places and especially appreciate the coastal and mountain areas that the Trust looks after.’ Mrs Campbell from Peebles said: ‘Perhaps this desperate situation will bring the plight of the Trust to the notice of many and finally create a stable future for many years to come. We cannot afford to lose this valuable asset.’ Mrs Falconer from Edinburgh said: ‘I feel passionate about our heritage and
‘It shows just how much people value Scotland’s heritage’
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cannot conceive of the notion that the Trust might not be able to continue its vital work to preserve that heritage.’ In addition to support from individuals we have been delighted with the support from Members’ Centres and Friends’ Groups across the country, our Patrons’ Club, Founders’ Circle, corporate and trust supporters and our wonderful friends at the NTS Foundation USA. With your support we have raised £2.5million, but we are not stopping there! The huge losses faced by the Trust due to the pandemic mean we must continue to fundraise and we hope you will continue to support us. Stride Out for Scotland and enjoy a walk in our beautiful places while raising funds to help us look after them – turn to page 61 to find out more. nts.org.uk/donate
FUNDRAISING
PEDALLING TO PROTECT OUR HERITAGE GEORGE RUSSELL IS CYCLING ACROSS AMERICA TO SUPPORT US We would like to send our special thanks to Trust supporter George Russell, who is undertaking a cycle across the USA to raise funds for our charity. George, who is 73, is hoping to raise £100,000
through his epic ride of over 3,000 miles. Now living in Colorado, George has strong ties to Scotland and to the Trust – his grandfather was the charity’s first secretary and treasurer.
‘The Trust cares for a staggering collection of Scotland’s treasures, but it urgently needs colossal sums to guarantee its survival,’ he says. ‘That can only be done by the support of donors
George Russell
worldwide, and that’s why I’m getting on my bike.’ www.tiny.cc/cycleUSA
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ARCHAEOLOGY
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An exciting new archaeology project aims to uncover stories from the era of illicit whisky-making
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t one time Scotland would have been home to hundreds of illicit whisky stills, tucked away in secret gullies and behind waterfalls. It was the job of the exciseman to track them down and halt the lucrative illegal trade. Now Trust archaeologists are on the trail to map their stories. Much has been written over the years about the history of Scotch whisky production, but because of the nature of illicit distilleries and smuggling, little was recorded about this aspect of the trade. Delivered in partnership with Chivas Brothers, aligned to The Glenlivet brand, which is produced at Scotland’s oldest legal distillery, The Pioneering Spirit project will broaden our understanding of the origins of Scotch whisky. We will harness new technology to plot the locations of hidden stills, usually close to running water and a source of fuel. There are about 30 sites of former stills on Trust land, from Torridon and Kintail to Arran and as far south as Grey Mare’s Tail. The project will start at Mar Lodge Estate. ‘We’ll be doing excavation and survey work,’ explains the Trust’s head of archaeology, Derek Alexander. ‘All the whisky-making equipment will have been taken away long ago, but we might find the remains of barrels for holding water or stoneware vessels used for storing the finished product. ‘One of the interesting things we’re hoping to find is the eco facts, like charred plant remains
that could tell us about what fuel sources they were using. We may also find charred cereal grains.’ Local tales passed down the generations will aid us in our research. ‘There are plenty of stories about excisemen being taken on a wild goose chase round the hills,’ explains Derek. ‘In Torridon, locals would see them coming in by boat. There were various ways to signal this Plenty – putting washing out, say, or to discover suddenly playing the pipes!’ Archaeologist Derek We’d love to know of any Alexander (above) will be stories that have been passed such looking for clues, although down through our members’ families. the actual whisky stills (like We’ll be creating opportunities for that pictured below, from people to contribute to the nationwide a Trust collection) are likely to be long story throughout the project, including gone community events where local people can see archaeology in action and get involved. Keep your eyes open for unique taster events too! ‘Projects like this demonstrate the value of cross-sector collaboration and the potential to achieve more together,’ says the Trust’s corporate partnerships manager, Jenny Howard-Coombes. ‘Archaeology provides a really tactile and meaningful way to connect people to place.’ Derek adds: ‘Various parts of the country are known for being particularly good in terms of the quality of the whisky they were making. The Glenlivet is one of those and we’re excited to be working with them.’ Sign up to our e-newsletter for updates: nts.org.uk/stayintouch
‘We’d love to hear of any stories that have been passed down through our members’ families’ 8 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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Archaeology, 1
ABOVE Surveying an illicit still site in Torridon BELOW Kiln for drying malted barley, close to the site of an illicit still; Derek Alexander at work
A RICH HISTORY There are several suspected whisky stills on Mar Lodge Estate. This one is in a small gully above the remains of the township of Tomnamoine, on the northern side of the River Dee.
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INTERVIEW
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‘ THE TRUST HAS A LWAYS B E E N PA R T O F M Y L I F E ’
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New chief executive Phil Long OBE looks forward to the challenge of guiding our charity towards its 100th birthday
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What does this job mean to you? The National Trust for Scotland has been part of my family life since I was a child. I care very deeply about Scotland’s heritage, its creativity and its landscape, so it’s an absolute honour to be responsible for the overall leadership of the organisation.
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How do you see the Trust’s role? The properties in the Trust’s care define much of Scotland’s identity. When people around the world think of Scotland, no doubt they picture the hills of Torridon or Glencoe, the design work of Mackintosh at the Hill House, or the wonderful castles of Deeside. We need to ensure their continued preservation and conservation, while making them accessible to as many people as possible
The Trust’s new chief executive, Phil Long 10 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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and ensuring that the experience is as rich and inspiring as it can be. What is your background? I’ve worked in the cultural and heritage sector all my professional career. Most recently, at the V&A Dundee, I led the project as founding director from the drawing board to realisation. I learned a great deal about everything from major public campaigns to negotiations with government. I also learned the importance of having a clear vision of what an organisation can achieve and expressing it passionately in order to inspire the team to success. Do you have an interest in natural as well as cultural heritage? I’ve been going up and down Munros
for much of my life, so I absolutely love the wild places that the Trust is responsible for. I have taken pleasure and solace from such places, rather than having to take responsibility for them, so I have much to learn there, but there is wonderful expertise within the Trust. We need to think about how we can help people understand environmental and sustainability issues, because the Trust will have a key role in championing these concerns into the future. What challenges do you foresee? All sectors around the world have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. For the Trust, that meant the forced closure of its properties. The resulting loss of income has meant enormous challenges which we need to overcome to make sure the Trust survives, recovers and is able to plan for an exciting future in the many years ahead. Right now, we need to do everything we can to minimise losses within the organisation. Once we have done all we can to stabilise the charity in the short term, we will be able to understand what the future picture looks like. And in the long term? In 2021, we will be ten years away from celebrating the Trust’s 100th anniversary. Next year I would like to begin discussions among the staff, volunteers and more broadly across the membership, about what we’d like to achieve by that point – so that when we
Phillip Long, 1
A SPECIAL PLACE Phil is pictured at Kellie Castle, one of his favourite Trust properties. ‘It’s a wonderful example of historic architecture with a beautiful garden and an amazing history, particularly of the Lorimer family who led their creative lives here in the 19th and 20th centuries.’
reach our 100th birthday we can look back and celebrate those achievements. It will take time to find the funds to meet our goals so it is important that we work towards the long term.
the Tenement House or the Isle of Canna. We should also constantly evolve our approach to interpretation because people’s interests and concerns change as the world changes.
that to be conserved, made accessible and explored in the most interesting ways, and for the Trust to be the body leading on that, then the support of our membership will always be important.
What developments might we see in the meantime? We will continue to do everything we can to broaden people’s views about what the Trust is responsible for and what people can enjoy. We must make sure that when people visit a wonderful castle or garden in Aberdeenshire, they are also introduced to the fact we own
How crucial is the role of Trust members? The Trust is the largest membership organisation in Scotland, and I believe it’s one of the best-loved charities in Scotland. I’ve seen that in the passionate letters I’ve received since taking on this position. If you care about Scotland’s heritage and you want
Do you have any other messages for members? Thank you enormously for your support, whether more recently or across many years. The Trust is an exceptional organisation that is sustained by its membership, so we have a great responsibility to our members and we take that very seriously indeed.
‘I care very deeply about Scotland’s heritage, its creativity and its landscape’
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Black Lives Matter
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FACING UP T O T H E PA S T
We know that places and objects in our care have deep connections to shameful parts of Scotland’s history. The time has come to address that difficult legacy
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he history of the transatlantic slave trade is entwined with the history of Scotland, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. As such, there is a profound connection between the slave trade and some of the places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. We recognise this fact and we won’t shy away from it. We also recognise that the way we currently interpret our buildings, landscapes and collections does not adequately acknowledge the full complexities of their histories. Right now we are at a turning point. The Black Lives Matter movement and the outrage that followed the death of George Floyd have led heritage institutions on both sides of the Atlantic to reassess both their collections and the way they are interpreted and presented. Some of these histories were long deemed too sensitive or too shameful to address. But those stories need to be told. Slavery directly and indirectly affected the history of many of our places – not just buildings, but gardens and land too – which were paid for using the profits of enslavement or via the compensation given to slave owners after abolition. Our collections also contain objects with
problematic histories, a small number of which are inherently culturally insensitive. These stories are not to be told lightly. This will not be a box-ticking exercise. We need to be curious, inclusive and brave; to ask questions and challenge assumptions. Any meaningful interpretation of the impact that the slave trade had at our places also requires detailed, collaborative research. Fully understanding these histories will allow us to work towards a future free from racism. That work starts now. Instead of presenting our properties as the physical manifestation only of success and privilege, we need to use them to reveal the full complexities of Scotland’s heritage and culture. In doing so, we make the experience of visiting our places more meaningful to every visitor. We know this change is overdue but we fully intend to approach this moment with integrity. We are committed not just to addressing the legacy of the past but also, crucially, to achieving full inclusivity, equality and diversity in the present.
‘Our properties need to reveal the complexities of Scotland’s heritage’
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Project Wipeout
CONSERVATION
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We’re eradicating invasive plants to allow wildlife to thrive
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roject Wipeout is the Trust’s biggest ever push to clear invasive plants – the likes of Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and Rhododendron ponticum – from its properties. Work started this summer at Kintail, Balmacara and Torridon, while at Corrieshalloch Gorge intrepid roped-up experts have been removing species from inaccessible ledges in the 60m-deep ravine that runs through the national nature reserve. ‘This is some of the most important work that we do,’ says Rob Dewar, nature conservation advisor. ‘By eradicating invasive plants we’re protecting biodiversity and allowing wildlife to thrive in its native habitat.’ Rhododendron ponticum is a hybrid, historically planted to provide shelter and game cover, but its dense canopy and tangle of stems eliminates most life. ‘It’s the only invasive rhododendron and is highly damaging
Rhododendron ponticum growing near Trust land in Torridon
to woodlands such as the unique Scottish rainforest.’ Generously funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the Nature Scot Biodiversity Challenge Fund and Baillie Gifford, Project Wipeout seeks to employ various innovative techniques. ‘Some invasive species can spread from gardens, so we work closely with
local communities and have offered a plant removal swap scheme,’ says Rob. ‘We’ve also used rhododendron wood to produce eco charcoal at a number of our places. Processes like these allow us to tackle an invasive plant species and protect biodiversity, while at the same time using the raw material to produce a valuable product.’
‘Some invaders spread from gardens – we’ve offered to swap plants’
PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN It is with sadness that the National Trust for Scotland can confirm Neil Oliver has chosen not to seek renewal of the role of the charity’s president with effect from September, following completion of a three-year term. Neil Oliver said: ‘My term as president
comes to an end in September and, as I had intended, I will be stepping down from the role at that time. It’s been a complete privilege to work throughout the term and represent the Trust. I will look forward to seeing who replaces me and they will have my full support.’
The Trust’s chairman, Sir Mark Jones, added: ‘Throughout his busy career as a broadcaster and author, Neil has championed Scotland and its heritage and we are extremely grateful to him for giving up so much of his valuable time to represent the Trust.
Farewell to Neil Oliver
‘Since his appointment in 2017 he has striven to promote our work and achievements, and in doing so elicited support on our behalf from many generous donors.’
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Prickly Thistle
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Plan family days out – and keep the kids busy on days at home – with the autumn 2020 edition of The Lidl Book of Big Adventures, included with this issue of your magazine. Inside the booklet you’ll find fun puzzles, easy recipes and colourful crafts, all inspired by autumn in Scotland and by the wonderful places in our care. The National Trust for Scotland is also partnering with Lidl in the launch of the supermarket’s new customer loyalty smartphone app, Lidl Plus. And, if you’re looking for extra ideas to keep the youngsters occupied, check out the Lidl pages of our website, where we’ve launched a series of downloadable guides. More activities online at nts.org.uk/lidl
Clare Campbell, founder of Prickly Thistle
T A R TA N T O TREASURE
Highland weaver launches exclusive designs to raise funds for our emergency appeal
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ontemporary tartan designer about the Save Our Scotland appeal, we Prickly Thistle is making a wanted to help raise money and do unique contribution to the something really special to mark this Trust’s Save Our Scotland appeal. year of historic change. The idea was to The Inverness-based company has make history and capture it in a created a very special tartan, the limited-run tartan fabric. profits from which will be ‘The two designs recognise donated to our emergency the past and future, and appeal. Available in feature thread counts two colourways, ‘The that are symbolic of the Hands of the Past’ and date the tartans were ‘The Hands of the launched – 31 July 2020.’ Future’, the tartan The colours of the Tartan celebrates Scotland’s Scottish landscape, from weaving heritage – and just 2,020 rocks and rolling hills to metres of it will be woven thistles, heather, rivers and and sold by the metre. lochs, are all reflected in these wool ‘There are a lot of similarities tartans that can be used for interiors, between Prickly Thistle and the Trust,’ clothing or accessories. Subtly woven says brand founder Clare Campbell. throughout is the message ‘SOS 2020’. ‘The Trust has iconic land and buildings, while we work with the iconic pricklythistle.shop/collections/ntssave-our-scotland-appeal fabric of our country. When we heard
‘The tartan celebrates Scotland’s heritage, and just 2,020 metres of it will be woven’ 16 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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Hartley Botanic
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Hornel Exhibition
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You can still register your interest: roots@nts.org.uk
FROM CAMERA TO CANVAS Major exhibition focuses on artist who lived at Broughton House Photographs taken and collected by Glasgow Boy Edward Atkinson Hornel are the focus of a new show at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre, from 7 November to 14 March. It’s the first major exhibition of Hornel’s work for 35 years and along with his canvases it will show photos from the collection at Broughton House, Hornel’s Kirkcudbright home, now in the care of the Trust.
Photography influenced every facet of Hornel’s work from 1890. He not only chose his subject matter based on the photographs he took both in Scotland and Asia, but copied figures and poses directly from these images. The exhibition is part of the Trust’s Morton Photography Project, supported by the Morton Charitable Trust.
OUR LOTTERY WINNERS ARE ROLLING IN Play the Scottish Heritage Lottery today! For those who have been missing our gift shops, the good news is that our full range is now available online, including gifts, hampers, cards and calendars. Many items are exclusive to the Trust, and every penny of profit goes towards funding our important work. nts.org.uk/shop
Supporters across the country are enjoying their winnings from playing in our weekly Scottish Heritage Lottery. Lottery tickets cost just £1 per week per play with the chance of winning a weekly first prize of £500, and lots of other prizes also up for grabs*.
Money raised goes directly to help us care for and protect Scotland’s heritage – cleaning our beaches,
repairing footpaths and caring for castles. Join today at lottery.nts.org.uk
*Lottery terms & conditions, percentage profit from each lottery and the odds of winning a prize can be found at lottery.nts.org.uk
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Thanks to everyone who has expressed an interest in Roots, our new gardening subscription pack. Our launch has been delayed until spring 2021 when we will be delighted to send you your first pack. For £6 a month you’ll receive a Roots pack every six weeks, full of Scottish seeds, growing guides, plant food and tips from experts’ gardens.
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‘It’s strangely quiet now the seabirds have dispersed’ The golden days of autumn are vibrant with life on Mull and Iona, but winter’s storms can be fierce
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he first hints that autumn is on the way to the Inner Hebrides appear in late August. One day you catch its smell on a chilly breeze, and realise the bracken is turning to rust among the still-blooming heather. The rowan berries are now red, and evenings are dark enough to see the stars again. But you know there will be many golden days to come before winter sets in. There are more sightings of sea eagles now the chicks have fledged, and the seas have warmed up by this time of year, so it’s a good time for spotting marine mammals – minke whales and basking sharks make an appearance alongside the dolphins and porpoises that have been visible all summer. There are not a lot of trees on our windswept islands but the spectacular colours of autumn are still there. You just have to look closely under your feet for the creamy orange of bog asphodel and the coppery deergrass. Staffa is strangely quiet now the breeding seabirds have dispersed. End-of-season visitors are often lucky enough to spot fluffy grey seal pups snoozing on secluded beaches. Born at the highest tides, they are safe from the sea for a few weeks, suckled by watchful mothers and later taught to swim in sheltered pools. As winter arrives, graceful whooper swans stop off at Loch Staoineig in the south of Iona, resting on their journey of migration from Iceland. Winters on these islands are often stormy. Strong winds stir up the water off the coast, providing nutrients for phytoplankton that in turn nourish the local foodchain. There’s not much snow here, except on the hills. Looking over the dark silhouette of Staffa, you can see the snow-draped peaks of Rum in the distance. Those stormy days can be relentless, though. Both wildlife and people hunker down. Ferries can be cancelled for days on end. From the window of my living room, I can see the waterfalls on the cliffs of Burg, their sprays cascading upwards into the sky.
EMILY WILKINS is a countryside ranger working across the National Trust for Scotland properties of Iona, Burg and Staffa.
2020 is Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. Share your coasts and waters experiences on Twitter by tagging @N_T_S #YCW2020. AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 21
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Natural Heritage Col
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As Scotland emerged from lockdown, Chitra Ramaswamy took the opportunity to visit Malleny Garden
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e step through a wrought-iron gate and, as if by magic, cross the threshold from this world into… peace. Directly ahead of us are the Four Evangelists: towering yew trees clipped into soft green cones, standing guard over Malleny Garden for four centuries. Or, according to my two-year-old daughter, ‘a bear cave!’. To the right, a Victorian glasshouse, its ceiling hung with grapevines laden with fruit. To the left, Malleny House itself: a fine 17th-century mansion, part of which remains a private residence. All is quiet in this rose- and herb-scented paradise. We seem to be alone, apart from a rabbit hopping near one of the herbaceous borders. The children, instant disturbers of the peace, slide down the grassy banks and climb up an enormous cedar tree. The dog keens at the end of her lead, nose twitching in overdrive. I am flooded with the sense of good fortune that hits you when you enter such long-cared-for places. I am lucky, happy, temporarily at peace. This is my first time at Malleny, in more than a decade of living less than ten miles away in Edinburgh. It’s also our first trip to a Trust property since before lockdown. The garden is home to perhaps the largest rose collection in Scotland, numbering more than 150 varieties. In the midst of them I find James, the gardener, patiently weeding. He tells me the pandemic almost certainly marks the longest time in the garden’s history that it has gone untended. During lockdown the grass was cut once a week, but everything else was left to its own devices. This is probably the wildest Malleny has ever looked, but there is something about its softened edges that is appropriate to the hardness of the times. It’s a testament both to the graft of maintaining a garden like this, and the persistence of nature. The Trust is slowly opening up again, but while its gardens and estates have been closed, nature’s work has continued apace.
CHITRA RAMASWAMY is an award-winning author and journalist who lives in Leith with her partner, two young children and dog. Born in London, she has loved Scotland ever since moving here as a student.
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HIGH AND MIGHTY A majestic fir in the grounds of Fyvie Castle, planted in 1906 by King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
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ROOT From ancient oaks to carefully nurtured saplings, the Trust cares for thousands of unique and wonderful trees
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GRANNY PINE The Scots pine is Scotland’s only native pine and our national tree. Scots pine trees can live up to 700 years and support other species including red squirrels, wildcats and capercaillie. The oldest examples, known as granny pines, are survivors of the Caledonian Forest which once swathed much of the Highlands.
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f legend is true and the ancient sweet chestnut tree at Balmerino Abbey really was planted in 1565 by Mary, Queen of Scots, can you imagine what these gnarled limbs must have seen? The National Trust for Scotland’s trees, their roots anchored in history and their canopies shading generations of Scots, are a crucial part of each property’s story. Our sites are home to an incredible 235 Scottish champion trees (exceptional examples of their species because of their enormous size, great age, rarity or historical significance), 71 of which are also champions of Britain and Ireland. Brodick Castle alone has 48 Scottish champions, while Crarae Garden has 38. Our trees also come from across the globe. A trip to Crarae, Arduaine or Branklyn gardens takes you to China, Nepal and Japan, while Fyvie Castle’s links with the USA (former owner Lord Leith made his fortune there in the steel industry) are reflected in notable North American trees such as the snakebark maple and the tulip tree. Important native habitats are represented in the Caledonian rainforests of Mar Lodge Estate, the Celtic rainforest of Coille Mhor at Balmacara, and the magnificent mixed woodlands at Drum Castle, Culzean Country Park and Castle Fraser. Our trees have also inspired interesting sidelines – charcoal-making at Brodick Castle and Ben Lomond, for instance, and, more recently, With your help we’ve the creation of Pinewood Conservation Gin been able to continue at Mar Lodge Estate. our work nurturing In all of these very different locations, the nation’s every tree needs to be managed in an trees appropriate way, while visitor safety and long-term plant health are maintained. It’s a massive task, and one that is constantly evolving. ‘The Trust takes tree care very seriously,’ agrees Chris Wardle, the gardens and designed landscapes manager for the North East. ‘We’re trying to find the balance between recreation, a little bit of commercial forestry, conservation and habitat protection, while managing both rare and invasive species. Our aim is to create diverse, robust woodlands that are resistant to climate change and offer something for everyone.’
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Venerable heritage trees present particular challenges thanks to their age. Balmerino Abbey’s
ABOVE A champion Douglas fir at Crathes Castle
aforementioned sweet chestnut – a mighty 6m in girth and beloved of the local community – is a typical example. In the past, its heavy limbs have been propped up and the hollow trunk has been repaired with concrete, but recent conservation measures display a much lighter touch. ‘It’s an iconic tree, with an incredible history, so we would never fell it,’ says Colin Wren, who manages the gardens and designed landscapes of Edinburgh and the East. ‘But the chestnut needed more space so we removed an adjacent tree and we installed a single bar “fence” around it. We’ve also stopped cutting the grass around the tree and we’ve slightly rerouted the nearby path – all of which helps to protect the roots. These are simple, cost-effective changes to help this tree live for another hundred years.’ Young trees need attention, too. Recently, self-seeded willow and birch saplings have been sprouting across the historic battlefield at
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Culloden. They might be native species, but if these trees were left to grow the battlefield would quickly become obscured. So, the operations team are experimenting with various methods of control – animal grazing, ‘weed wiping’ and manual brush-cutting – to find the most successful. Further west, at Balmacara, a non-native, commercial species in the form of self-sown sitka spruce trees (from adjacent forestry land) is creeping into the estate’s traditional woodland pasture. Property manager Iain Turnbull is taking a pragmatic approach: ‘We let them grow to the point where we can find them and remove them.’
RIGHT The flamecoloured leaves of a maple tree at Fyvie Castle
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The Trust’s trees need continuous surveillance against invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum and plant diseases. Phytophthora ramorum, a pathogen that causes a disease with the rather misleading name of sudden oak death, was responsible for the felling of around 900 Japanese larch trees at Arduaine Garden in 2018. The following year, staff at Brodie Castle bid an emotional farewell to three ancient beech trees
BELOW Moss-covered branches at Balmacara, photographed by property manager Iain Turnbull
that had become infected with the Meripilus giganteus fungus. Sadly, there is little we can do to completely prevent the arrival of plant disease on our sites, but we can act quickly to halt further spread. Having the capacity to propagate our own trees from healthy stock helps too. Of course, Trust woodlands would be soulless places without the creatures that live there – and nowhere is this more true than the Coille Mhor, Balmacara Estate’s ‘big wood’. ‘It’s a pretty special place,’ agrees Iain Turnbull. ‘It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and it’s part of what we call the Celtic rainforest, with a mix of ash, hazel, birch and oak trees.’ The Coille Mhor supports the survival of many rare mosses and lichens as well as a healthy population of red squirrels. ‘The habitat is perfect for them,’ says Iain of the creatures, who were successfully reintroduced to the area three years ago. ‘And they in turn are good for the woods, as they’re effectively planting new trees for us – they bury acorns and sometimes forget where they’ve put them. Oak trees will only regenerate where
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‘Trust woodlands would be soulless places without the creatures that live there – and nowhere is this more true than at Balmacara’s Coille Mhor’
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LIVING HISTORY
5 TRUST TREES WITH TALES TO TELL GLEN DERRY SCOTS PINE Mar Lodge Estate l This granny pine in Glen Derry is smaller but significantly older than the more famous champion Scots pine at Mar Lodge. A study in 2010 dated it to 1477. In a positive indication of pinewood regeneration, a tiny seedling now grows beneath it. DULE TREE Leith Hall l Dule trees were used as gallows for public hangings and legend has it that this impressive sycamore had that grim role. But a recent survey dated it to 1836, by which point ‘summary justice’ in Scotland was long abolished.
there’s a gap in the canopy, so the acorns need to be spread by other species.’ In the past, grazing animals and wild boar helped with tree regeneration, which is why a traditional wood pasture system is so important here. ‘As long as the land isn’t over-grazed, regeneration will continue,’ says Iain. However, it’s all about balance. Domestic cattle-grazing by the crofting community is carefully managed, and Iain keeps a watchful eye on the roe and red deer that live on the estate. But more information is still needed, especially as he’s found less evidence than he’d like of young oak regeneration. ‘We did a herbivore impact assessment this summer, and by this time next year we should have a comprehensive grazing plan for the woodlands across the estate and, in particular, the Coille Mhor,’ he says. ‘We’ve had a burst of growth over the last 20 years and the vegetation is now so dense that the chance of acorns even hitting the ground is unlikely. If we left it too long, we’d lose rare flora and fauna forever. So, our long-term objective is to reinstate a proper woodland pasture system.’
RESTORATION AND REGENERATION Regeneration is also the watchword at Mar Lodge Estate, where the team have been working hard to restore the Caledonian pinewood. By conserving old ‘granny’ pines, which still produce viable seed,
TURKEY OAK Inverewe l The turkey oak came to the UK in the 1700s and this variegated specimen is very rare. It’s believed to have been planted in 1937 by Mairi Sawyer, to commemorate the building of the current Inverewe House. YEW TOPIARY Crathes Castle l Specialist surveys and historical references show that these topiarised yews were planted at Crathes in 1702. Their shape has evolved over time. Originally, the trees were a lot taller, with another top ball and an extra frill. OLD HOLLY TREE Castle Fraser l This impressive specimen is thought to be the same age as Castle Fraser, which was built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser. Paintings of the castle from the early 1800s show it as a mature tree. AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 29
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Volunteers have been helping to restore the landscape at Glen Rosa on Arran, where most of the upland woodland had been destroyed by centuries of over-grazing by deer and sheep. With generous support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Leslie Wheeldon Bequest, we are building a perimeter fence to keep deer out, and planting 40,000 new trees, including native species like birch, oak, hazel, willow and aspen, as well as the unique Arran whitebeam. ‘It’s one of the rarest trees in the UK and it’s only found here on the island,’ says senior ranger Kate Sampson. She estimates that the ABOVE fence will stay in place for at least 20 Lush summer growth in the years. ‘It will allow the planted trees to grounds of establish and some natural Crathes Castle regeneration to take place. Limited grazing with Highland cattle may be needed in the future to keep some areas more open for threatened species such as breeding whinchats.’ Glen Rosa’s reforestation programme covers about 28 hectares, two of which have already been planted by enthusiastic volunteers. ‘They come from all walks of life – Children help out local community groups, school with the plantings children, and asylum-seekers from in Glen Rosa Glasgow,’ says Kate. ‘They’ve all been so committed. It feels special to be involved in something long term like this, giving people the chance to help shape our landscapes for the future.’
‘Those trees are there for our greatgrandchildren. Most planting is about looking to the future’ and protecting the resulting saplings from deer, remarkable progress has been made. Ecologist Shaila Rao walks the estate regularly and one tree that has caught her eye is a tiny rowan growing at an incredible 1,093m – higher than the summit of your average Munro. ‘It’s probably the highest tree in the country,’ she says. ‘Woodland in Scotland has been in catastrophic decline for hundreds of years; but if rowans can potentially grow at that altitude, that little tree is a real symbol of hope. One day, forest will cloak our hills again.’ At Bannockburn, local schoolchildren have been helping to plant young trees, and an exciting reforesting project is now underway at Glen Rosa in Arran (see box, left). Likewise, Chris Wardle is proud to have planted thousands of trees at Crathes Castle between 2002 and 2009. ‘I’ll never see those trees mature,’ he admits, ‘but they’re there for our great-grandchildren. Most of the tree-planting at Trust properties is legacy planting. It’s all about looking to the future.’
Visit our trees
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GREAT INSPIRATION Angus MacDonald is pictured in Glencoe, one of several National Trust for Scotland properties that feature in his Ardnish series of historical novels inspired by Scotland and its people.
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A passion for Scotland’s landscapes and historic sites lies at the heart of the Ardnish trilogy of novels. Rosemary Goring meets their author, Angus MacDonald PHOTOGRAPHS: DOUGIE CUNNINGHAM
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ngus MacDonald is in love. The object of his affections? Quite simply, Scotland. The former lieutenant with the Queen’s Own Highlanders is smitten by the beauty of his home country and, in particular, the West Highlands. It is, he says, one of the reasons he became a novelist. Angus looks every inch the military man, yet the path he took on leaving the army has been far from predictable. After a period with an investment management firm he went into financial publishing. When he sold up, he concentrated on the renewables industry and philanthropic ventures. The most remarkable step, however, has been his reinvention as a writer of historic fiction. ‘Nobody was more surprised than my parents!’ laughs the 57-year-old, recalling his ‘troublesome’ youth. ‘I’m dyslexic, left school at 16, and I’ve never done any proper English in my life.’ Yet here he is, with three novels under his belt and more to come. His surroundings are a major source of inspiration. Home is Roshven House, overlooking
the Ardnish peninsula. It has a breathtaking prospect on the edge of a bay, beyond which lie schools of dolphins and the islands of Eigg and Rum, with views over soaring mountains and glittering sea. A former vice-president of the National Trust for Scotland, Angus’s deep connection to his homeland underlies all his fiction. Each book in the Ardnish trilogy revolves around war, love and the culture of the West Highlands. Home is the anchor that holds his characters in place, however far they roam. Angus’s great-grandfather, Captain Willie MacDonald, is one of the narrators in the most recently published novel, Ardnish, in which his hero joins up for the Boer War. ‘He wrote letters home, every two or three days, in extraordinary detail, which allowed me to write what is effectively the history of the Lovat Scouts. I know exactly where they went, and the names of who died and where they died, the whole story.’ This bloody and brutal campaign, he says, ‘was the last of the Empire. It wasn’t anything to be proud of.’ Captain Willie’s letters had lain for decades in a trunk, along with his uniform. So did Angus write the novels to honour his family? ‘Well, no, AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 33
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his passion for Glencoe is also reflected in his my family play a very small peripheral role in dedication to the National Trust for Scotland. the books. I’m honouring the way of life of Ten years ago, Angus, who is married with people a hundred years ago. I think it’s a four sons, joined our Patrons’ Club, an forgotten story. Many of us can’t imagine Your support enables us international collective of philanthropists the hardship people went through. There to continue caring for committed to supporting the Trust’s work. was no social security. Men went to war amazing places He was involved in the Reid Review, which and didn’t come back. It was very harsh.’ like Glencoe assessed the future of the charity in 2010. Angus’s first novel, Ardnish Was Home, set ‘Then at the same time I became during the First World War, started as a way of vice-president. I got involved in fundraising, and recording his father’s tales. But the stunning raised about £2m – things like the President’s Ball scenery of the Highlands also proved a key generated a lot of money.’ He has also worked source of inspiration. Among the places featured closely with Trust Foundations in Canada and the in the three books are various properties in the USA. ‘So I’ve been very involved for more than a care of the National Trust for Scotland – decade, and absolutely adore it. The Trust looks Glenfinnan, Culloden, St Kilda and Canna. And after many of the things about our wilderness that then there is bleak, haunting Glencoe, a place ABOVE I think should be treasured, and helping to do that that has particular personal significance. is paramount to me.’ ‘My father was the landlord of the Clachaig Inn The Trust has been caring for Earlier this year, when the full impact of the in Glencoe during my formative years,’ he Glencoe since coronavirus on our charity became clear, Angus, explains. ‘It’s such an extraordinarily powerful 1935 – the same along with fellow Patrons’ Club members, landscape. The hills tower over the glen, with all year Hitchcock stepped forward to lead an incredible fundraising four seasons regularly experienced in a day.’ His famously filmed initiative: the Patrons’ Club Challenge aims to intimate relationship with that incredible place another classic raise £1m for our Save Our Scotland emergency can be sensed in the descriptions of the volatile, thriller here, The 39 Steps appeal. He is optimistic about the Trust’s future majestic landscape where his novels unfold. And
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‘My grandfather wrote letters home from the Boer War, every two or three days, in extraordinary detail’
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BACK TO HIS ROOTS Angus’s family have roots in the West Highlands going back ten centuries. When he was growing up, he spent a lot of time in Glencoe, where his father ran the famously vibrant Clachaig Inn.
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INSPIRED BY SCOTLAND Some fantastic novels have taken inspiration from places in our care...
and upbeat about the Club’s contribution: ‘Patrons’ Club members have responded magnificently and I’m pretty confident they’ll raise £1m. People are donating and doing sponsored events. They are a delightful bunch of very dedicated people.’ It’s not the first time he has found inventive ways of tackling economic challenges. Aside from his business interests, Angus is involved with various philanthropic projects in his local area. ‘My family have lived here for a thousand years,’ Angus explains. ‘What matters most to me is the people and the economy of the West Highlands. I’ve built my career in the Highlands, which is quite unusual – for hundreds of years people have had to move away to make a living. What interests me is how we can make things good enough that they don’t have to leave.’ A few years ago, he read an article in an American magazine, which posed the question: What makes the biggest difference to a market town? ‘The answer,’ he says, ‘was an independent bookshop and a town-centre cinema.’ So in 2017 he became the co-owner (now sole owner) of the new Highland Bookshop in Fort William, and for the past 18 months he has been working towards rebuilding the cinema in the centre of town, where he also plans to fundraise for Glencoe. If ever there was a story ready-made for the big screen, the Ardnish trilogy is it: an unforgettable cast, heart-thumping adventure and romance, but above all a backdrop of spell-binding beauty. And an independent Highland cinema would be the perfect place to see the film.
ABOVE Glenfinnan is one of several National Trust for Scotland places that feature in the Ardnish series of novels
Read the books
The Ardnish trilogy is on sale in our online shop at nts.org.uk/shop
THE FLIGHT OF THE HERON BY DK BROSTER (1925) Location: Culloden Classic Jacobite adventure story of young Highland laird Ewen Cameron, who is devoted to Prince Charles Edward Stuart, and Major Keith Windham, a world-weary English soldier on the opposing side. The first of a trilogy, in which the outcome at Culloden is central. THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY BY JAMES BARKE (1946) Location: The Bachelors’ Club, Tarbolton First in a five-part novelisation of Robert Burns’s life, from before his birth, through his co-founding of the Bachelors’ Club, to his success as a poet. Barke claimed his project stuck to historical fact ‘much more firmly than the biographies’. BONE DEEP BY SANDRA IRELAND (2018) Location: Barry Mill This old watermill in Angus is the backdrop for a Gothic psychological thriller about two women with secrets, and the ghostly rival sisters whose unhappy lives are local legend. Sandra Ireland was writer in residence at the mill, and the place has clearly left its mark.
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Angela McManus heads to Branklyn Garden to meet some of our most dedicated members as they pledge their love of Scotland PHOTOGRAPHS: HAMISH CAMPBELL
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ob Kay looks to the camera and makes a solemn promise to preserve Scotland’s heritage and habitat. In a declaration of love for his country, he shares his passion for Scotland and for the Trust. It’s a moving moment as we stand in Branklyn Garden in Perth, recently reopened after lockdown, surrounded by the whispering leaves of a Japanese maple tree and a spectacular show of summer blooms. Rob came from Kilsyth to make a pledge to the places he loves. He is just one of many members who appear in the new film being shown on the
Trust’s website and social media channels. In a love letter to Scotland, they talk about their affection for the Trust’s very special places around the country and why their membership matters to them. ‘Scotland and the Trust mean a great deal to me,’ says Rob. ‘We live in a dreadfully mechanistic society, which is based on money rather than the values we have in our hearts and hold dear – history, our traditions, families and society. ‘We’re an integral part of the landscape and the environment, from which we sprang and which we still depend on for our spiritual side. We need the oxygen, and the clean water to drink. ‘We’re part of nature, not alienated from it, and I think it’s really important that we can reconnect. ‘The Trust to me upholds those values – values that need to be constantly reinforced and remembered.’ LEFT Rob Kay eloquently expressed his love of Scotland
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ABOVE Graeme (top) and Merryn Benson
BELOW The Aurang family and Buddy the dog
LEFT Nick, Anna and Evie Mucha declared their love of Scotland
‘We declared our love for our country – it is so important to us’ The film being recorded today provides an opportunity for some of the Trust’s members to take centre stage and share why our places and membership of the charity are important to them personally. There is no one better to describe the beauty, history and significance of our places than those who enjoy them most. Warm and affectionate, the film has been shot on location at several of our beautiful properties, including Culzean Castle, the Pineapple and here at Branklyn Garden. The Mucha family moved from the south coast of England to Stanley in the Perthshire countryside because dad Nick felt it was important for daughter Evie, eight, and son Ewan, seven, to grow up in his home country. ‘We’ve been members for a while now and keep renewing every year,’ says Nick. ‘Membership is great, especially for families, as the children
ABOVE Zeb Aurang loves visiting Trust places with his family
BELOW Rob Kay was filmed among the Branklyn blooms
can learn all about their history. Today we declared our love for our country – it is so important to us.’ Nick’s wife Anna, a self-confessed history buff who is originally from Dorset, says the fact that membership helps to fund the preservation of properties really matters to her. ‘We like going to Dunkeld and really enjoyed Killiecrankie – this is such a beautiful part of the world,’ she adds. Evie and Ewan both agree that their favourite Trust places are Brodie Castle and the Hermitage. ‘Ewan likes exploring at the Hermitage and I love Brodie Castle and the amazing playpark there. It feels a bit like Alice in Wonderland,’ beams Evie. The Aurang family travelled from their home in Aberdeen to take part in the film after hearing about it on a visit to Drum Castle. Mum Beata, dad Zeb and children Leah, 13, and Ryan, eight (along with Buddy the chihuahua) all took the opportunity to stand in front of the camera, talking about how they truly appreciate the culture and warm welcome when they visit Trust places. AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 39
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‘Membership for us means we can see nice places and support the charity at the same time, helping the Trust to look after the castles and the gardens,’ says Zeb. ‘We feel it’s important that the Trust is working to protect the history and natural heritage of the country. The kids learn a lot about what Scotland is all about.’ While fun days out and spending quality time together are key for Beata, the fact that the whole family simply love Scotland is what really motivates her, she says. ‘It’s great to help the Trust and to have the opportunity to tell other people about it. If everyone contributes, we can protect the nation’s history.’ Leah and Ryan have developed a keen interest in learning about the history of Scotland, particularly at castles in their local area. ‘I really liked the ghost stores at Crathes Castle,’ says Leah. ‘And I love it at Christmas when they put the lights in the forest. Crathes is a real fairytale castle.’ It was another Aberdeenshire castle that hooked the Benson family from Kintore. Julie, Graeme and daughter Merryn have Castle Fraser on their doorstep and are regular visitors.
LEFT The Mucha family enjoy a stroll among the borders
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‘We go to Trust properties a lot and it was great, towards the end of lockdown, finally to be able to go to outdoor spaces,’ says Julie. ‘We took out membership because we’d gone to Castle Fraser so many times to use the grounds. When we finally went inside and were paying we realised it makes sense to be a member. We’ve been to so many Trust places now.’ Graeme adds that he values the opportunity to donate to charity while also getting value back as a member. Learning and exploring are top priorities for young Merryn when she visits Trust places – as well as finding a delicious ice cream in the shops. ‘I pledged to look after the heritage and natural habitats because I love history and exploring castles,’ she smiles. Watch the film: nts.org.uk/member
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‘It’s great to help the Trust and to tell other people about it’
TOP LEFT Nick, Anna, Evie and Ewan Mucha take their turn
BOTTOM LEFT Graeme Benson steps up to make his pledge
ABOVE We’re not sure Buddy gets the joke!
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During lockdown, many of us took the opportunity to rediscover nature close to home. Now, as we head into autumn, Ida Maspero recommends wonderful family experiences to enjoy in Trust gardens and outdoor places
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It’s what we all love best about the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness: the dazzling array of warm, glowing reds, golds and yellows that light up Scotland’s woods and gardens. On the west coast, the warming influence of the Gulf Stream means the afterglow of summer colour lingers well into autumn. At Arduaine Garden in Argyll and Inverewe in the north-west Highlands, you’ll find late displays of flowers from warmer climes, such as the flaming tones of red-hot pokers. There are breathtaking autumn displays across the Trust’s many fine gardens, their trees and shrubs putting on a dramatic show from Threave in the south-west to Brodie Castle in Aberdeenshire.
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Autumn colour blazes across our natural heritage places too – try Killiecrankie and the Hermitage
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There are few sounds quite as joyful as the laughter of kids playing hide and seek – and when many of the Trust’s gardens reopened in late summer, they rang once again with shrieks of delight. Lots of our places have areas designed specifically for youngsters to enjoy – they’ll love racing through the ‘rabbit hole’ tunnel in Brodie Castle’s Playful Garden or weaving in and out of the topiary yew hedges at Crathes Castle, among many others.
ALSO AT: The Pineapple, Culzean Country Park, Drum Castle, Threave Garden & Estate
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A stroll along the seashore is all the more purposeful and rewarding when you’re beachcombing – shells, bits of driftwood, dried seaweed and pebbles can all make wonderful art materials. Collect them to create a wind chime or a collage back home; or build a larger work of ‘installation art’ with rocks or sand right there on the beach. The sandy cove of Rockcliffe on the Galloway coast has plentiful cockle shells for decorating sandcastles – just the thing for whiling away an autumn afternoon.
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St Abb’s Head, Inverewe
More wildlife wonders
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SEE SALMON LEAPING
Head to the wildlife hide at Inverewe to look for golden eagles, otters and harbour seals
This must be one of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife displays – a determined salmon fighting its way upstream with all its might. October and November are the best months to spot the fish leaping at several Trust places. Follow the wooded riverside footpaths at the Hermitage in Perthshire during those months and keep an eye on the river, particularly at the falls. There, amid the gushing white water, you might be lucky enough to spot a slick, silvery shape surging upwards, again and again, until finally making it.
ALSO AT: Killiecrankie, Linn of Tummel The Hermitage
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SPOT RED SQUIRRELS
Autumn into early winter is a good time to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel (try lingering by the Killiecrankie feeding station!). That’s when these elusive little creatures are busily preparing for winter, storing away food supplies and building nests (called dreys). Petite, rusty-red and with adorable tufts on its ears, Britain’s only native squirrel is easy to distinguish from its grey counterpart, an invader from North America. Just 120,000 reds remain in Scotland – competition and disease from greys has seen their numbers fall drastically. But Arran, Perthshire and parts of the Highlands are red strongholds, and they’re thriving at several Trust places. With patience and luck, you’ll spot one skipping from tree to tree.
ALSO AT: Brodie Castle, Crathes Castle, Brodick Country Park, Hermitage, Mar Lodge Estate
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Below the cliffs at Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire, secret sandy beaches and rocky coves lie tucked away where you can get close to the denizens of the intertidal zone. So once you’ve explored Culzean’s gardens and grounds, follow the path down to the shore beneath the cliffs. Time your visit right and the low tide will have revealed a patchwork of glittering rockpools full of colourful life – amber and green seaweed, orangey-yellow starfish and sea anemones red as rubies. Tiny fish and ghostlike shrimps dart among the weeds. Wear wellies – paddling in rockpools can be chilly if it’s not midsummer!
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ALSO AT: Rockcliffe, St Abb’s Head
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ALSO AT: Dollar Glen, Linn of Tummel, Hermitage, Falls of Glomach
November and December are the best times of year to spot seal pups at St Abb’s Head
As the damp sets in, weird and wonderful fungi emerge from leaf litter in the woods at our Trust estates and gardens. These awesome organisms play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down nutrients, and the sheer variety of shapes and colours means that finding fungi can be a fun woodland treasure hunt. Look out for that quintessential fairytale toadstool, the white-spotted fly agaric; the jewel-like amethyst deceiver; and the billowing giant puffball. Be careful not to touch and only forage for fungi if you really know what you’re doing!
Brodick, Newhailes
As the rains sweep in, the rivers of Scotland’s wild places swell with white water. The spectacle of a waterfall in full spate is awe-inspiring – and nowhere more so than at Grey Mare’s Tail in the Borders. It’s one of Scotland’s finest (and, at 60m, among the UK’s highest). There’s a low-level walk to the viewpoint, while families with older kids can tackle a longer walk beside the waterfall. It’s a wild landscape, where feral goats roam and bird of prey soar. Corrieshalloch Gorge in Ross-shire, meanwhile, has a Victorian suspension bridge to wobble across as you gaze down at the Falls of Measach thundering below.
A rocky nursery
FIND SOME FANTASTIC FUNGI
LOOK AT: Killiecrankie,
WATCH FALLS IN FULL SPATE
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HEAR RUTTING RED DEER ROAR
Autumn is when the bellows of rutting red deer stags echo through the glens as they battle it out for dominance and the chance to breed. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you might spot stags strutting their stuff or even clashing antlers in a testosterone-fuelled duel. The wild mountains of Torridon, Glencoe and Mar Lodge Estate are all good ports of call. For those who prefer a closer encounter, it’s easy to see the monarch of the glen strike a majestic pose at Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire or at Torridon’s Deer Enclosure.
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Lockdown and the holidays saw many older kids take up photography and filmmaking, and now is the ideal time to venture further afield as a family to capture some iconic Scottish views. There’s a wealth of picture-postcard scenes awaiting budding young photographers at Trust places – the autumn colours and green footbridge over the river at Killiecrankie; the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct; the fairytale turrets of Crathes Castle; the soaring mountains of Glencoe (featured in quite a few movies)… there really is no shortage of inspiration! Don’t forget to tag your best shots with #NationalTrustForScotland and #FortheLoveofScotland (see page 70).
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THANK YOU
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ALSO AT: All our places!
Your support allows us to maintain our amazing places for families to enjoy into the future
Culloden
GET TIPS FOR THE GARDEN
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Back in spring, during the early weeks of lockdown, there was a surge of interest in ‘growing your own’. In subsequent months, with time on our hands, many of us got the kids involved in growing fruit and vegetables at home. Now, with the grounds of many Trust properties open again, there’s a chance to glean inspiration for next year’s produce from Scotland’s finest historic kitchen gardens. Though the main growing season is over, you can admire the range of edible plantings in the atmospheric walled gardens of Fyvie Castle and Threave Estate, and perhaps see the last of the season’s fruit on heritage apple trees at Priorwood Garden. At all Trust gardens, staff are happy to stop for a chat and share their growing tips.
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DISCOVER JACOBITE HISTORY
Gory stories of battles and bloody massacres echo down the centuries at many Trust places. It’s hard to believe that the picturesque gorge of Killiecrankie is where one of the fiercest Jacobite battles took place. And when you gaze out over the moody vistas at Glencoe, try to imagine the homesteads of the Clan MacDonald families murdered by government soldiers in the winter of 1692. Half a century later, the Jacobites made their last stand at Culloden – today the battlefield is a must-visit for history fans of all ages.
More ideas!
Check out the Lidl Book of Big Adventures, included with your magazine, for lots of seasonal ideas to enjoy with children
ALSO AT: Glenfinnan, Dunkeld, Drum Castle
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Through the ages, Scotland has found countless colourful ways to celebrate significant dates in autumn and winter, leaving us fascinating stories to discover at many places in the care of the Trust BY ANGELA McMANUS 50 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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XXXCREDIT HERE XXX
Your membership enables us to discover, protect and share Scotland’s stories
Aut/Win Festivals, 1
N A E D I R B E H A N E E W O L L HA HOUSE, ISLE OF CANNA CANNA
CANNA HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
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he other-worldly magic of a traditional Hebridean Halloween was captured on camera by Margaret Fay Shaw, who amassed a huge collection of Gaelic song, poetry and images when she lived in the west of Scotland from the 1930s onwards. The photographer and her husband, Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell, bought the isle of Canna in 1938, donating it to the Trust in 1981. Their collection, archived at Canna House, includes images and film of Halloween, or Samhain, festivities in South Uist. Halloween’s roots in Scotland reach back to the Gaelic festival of Samhain in the 16th century. ‘There are lots of theories about the origins of Samhain, but the overriding idea is that it was a time when the boundary
Sheepskins were often turned into costumes
Guising in the Hebrides in the 1930s
‘This was a time when the boundary between this world and the other world could be crossed’ between this world and the other world could be crossed,’ says Canna House archivist and manager Fiona Mackenzie. ‘That was the origin of dressing up – you were disguising yourself from the
spirits and trying to please them, so they’d look after you during winter. That’s why there’s a lot of food involved in Samhain, as a feast day for yourself but also to leave food out for the spirits.’ One tradition was to leave a place set at the table to welcome the souls of dead relatives. ‘Costumes were usually made out of sheepskin or whatever was lying around the croft. Unravelled rope was used to make headpieces. In Margaret’s photos you can see someone entirely in sheepskin. She wrote in the 1930s about watching a boy skin the head of a sheep, leaving the ears intact. He lifted it over his head and
looked just like a sheep,’ adds Fiona. Food for Halloween (the word comes from the Scots shortening of All Hallows’ Eve) included a pudding shared by the family with a silver sixpence, a thimble and a button hidden inside, and there were traditions to do with romance. You could foretell the future of two sweethearts by throwing two nuts into the fire. If they exploded at the same time, it was said ‘they were away together’. Halloween was for all the family and adults wore costumes too, although it was usually the children who went door to door to tell a joke or sing a song. AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 51
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t was 1958 before 25 December was made a public holiday in Scotland. After an Act of Parliament made the celebration of yule illegal in 1640, Hogmanay was, for many years, a far more significant occasion. But we know that even in the earlier years of the 20th century, families at some of our properties enjoyed joyful Christmas celebrations. Last year, the Hill House team researched how Christmas would have been observed in the Edwardian era at this Helensburgh home designed for Walter Blackie by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Through a contact at the Glasgow School of Art, we even tracked down the printing block for a Christmas card designed by Mackintosh for the Blackie family to send to their friends in 1908, four years after they’d moved into the house. The family’s letters from around this time give us a fascinating insight into an Edwardian Christmas. Correspondence between Walter’s wife, Anna, and their son, young Walter, reveal the gifts they exchanged and how the family celebrated in the first decade of the new century. Books, wooden toys, a rocking horse and a signature handkerchief were among the presents. The letters also tell us that young Walter sent his family 52 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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A recreation of a Blackie family Christmas
‘Families would sit down to a feast of special dishes such as goose with apple stuffing’ coals as a Hogmanay good luck charm. The family business was book publishing, and it’s interesting to see Blackie books being recommended as ideal Christmas presents in the Helensburgh and Gareloch Times of 1908. The company published an edition of the hugely popular A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which also contained the same author’s lesser known novella The Cricket on the Hearth.
Paper decorations were the order of the day for Edwardian families, including handmade paper chains to adorn the Christmas tree, and families would sit down to a feast of special dishes such as goose with apple stuffing and roasted vegetables, followed by Christmas pudding. A special treat at this time of the year for the children growing up at the Hill House was alphabet soup, made with lettershaped pasta.
Brodie Castle looks magical under a dusting of snow
HOGMANAY IN IGHLANDS THECH ASTLE BRODIE
WENN RIGHTS LTD / ALAMY
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t’s thought the word Hogmanay might have come from ‘hoginane’, a French term meaning ‘gala day’, brought back by Mary, Queen of Scots when she returned from France. A competing theory suggests it’s from the Scandinavian word for yule, ‘hoggo-nott’. Whatever the origins of its name, the roots of our midwinter festivals can be traced right back to pagan times. Christmas and New Year used to be celebrated as part of a longer yule period in Scotland. But Christmas feasting was repressed after the Reformation, and the festivities became focused on Hogmanay. The Brodie family lived at Brodie Castle from the mid-1500s to 2003. As elsewhere in Scotland, their traditions at this time of year included feasts and family
gatherings and we know that by the 1930s they held regular Christmas parties for local children from Dyke. Historic records show the importance of Hogmanay in this part of Scotland. In 1794, the Minister for Kirkmichael
in Banffshire noted how his parishioners believed the direction of the wind at New Year revealed what lay ahead. If it came from the south, there would be heat and fertility; from the west would bring milk and fish; the wind
Burning of the Clavie, Burghead
‘The roots of our midwinter festivals can be traced right back to pagan times’
from the north meant cold and storm; and from the east signalled fruit on the trees. Later, in 1881, Reverend Walter Gregor in his Notes on the Folklore of North East Scotland recorded that New Year was celebrated very enthusiastically, with workers taking three days off. Some Hogmanay customs continue to this day, such as the belief that a clean house is necessary to bring in the New Year. When open fires were common, the ashes were cleared and a new fire was laid. Then there’s ‘first footing’: the first person to enter a house after midnight is thought to bring good luck. In Burghead, 14 miles east from Brodie, locals continue to celebrate New Year with an ancient fire ceremony, the Burning of the Clavie. This takes place not on the eve of 1 January, however, but 11 days later, on the Old New Year’s Eve of the Julian calendar. A burning barrel filled with staves is carried around the town and deposited on an ancient fort, from where locals collect the embers to keep for good luck during the following year. AUTUMN & WINTER 2020 � 53
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ive years after he died at the age of 37, nine of Robert Burns’s close friends got together to remember him. It was 21 July 1801, the anniversary of the poet’s death, and, led by the Reverend Hamilton Paul, they met at Burns Cottage in Alloway to raise a glass to the memory of their friend and quote some of his work. They didn’t know it at the time, but this was the first Burns supper. Haggis and sheep’s head were on the menu, while they recited ‘Address to a Haggis’ and sang some of the great man’s songs. ‘The toast to Burns’s life is where the “Immortal Memory” comes from in
today’s Burns suppers,’ says Caroline Smith, operations manager at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. ‘It was a recollection of his life and some of the things he did. They also recited some of Burns’s liveliest works – as we still do today.’
Inside the cottage in Alloway where Burns was born on 25 January 1759
The friends planned another get-together, this time on the anniversary of Burns’s birth, but they got the date wrong and met up on 29 January. It wasn’t until 1803 that they met on his actual birthday, 25 January, now the date on which we remember him. Visit Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to see the cottage where the first Burns supper was held, then get an insight into the Bard’s life with the letters and
manuscripts on display in the museum. There are also prized personal objects such as his writing set. ‘We have old menus of Burns suppers in our collection, and in the early years they ate things like boiled sheep’s head, food that was common at the time,’ says Caroline. After the first event in Alloway, the Greenock Ayrshire Society started the tradition of the annual Burns supper and, by 1815, Sir Walter Scott had organised a Burns supper in Edinburgh, but this was a much grander, literary affair than the celebrations in the west of Scotland. Now, more than 200 years on, we still get together to share the work of the Bard. The haggis is piped in, there are moving recitals of his songs and poems, finishing with a wee dram and a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
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hen Lerwick’s postmaster moved to the island of Unst in the early years of the 20th century, he brought with him the traditions of Up Helly Aa. Shetland’s winter fire festival celebrates the islands’ Viking roots. The end of the Christmas festivities is marked by a torchlit procession and a squad of costumed guizers that culminates in the burning of a galley boat. About 200 participants or guizers take part in Up Helly Aa at Uyeasound on Unst every year. Many more people line the streets to watch the action. Preparations for the event take months. Work starts in
the galley shed in the autumn to build two boats, one for the procession and the other to be burned. Over the autumn and winter months the guizer squad are usually busy making shields and Viking costumes – although, sadly, next year’s event has been cancelled due to virus safety concerns. Andrew Hunter was Jarl, or main guizer, at the 2020 Uyeasound Up Helly Aa, a role that has become traditional in his family. His great-grandfather was Jarl in 1926, his grandfather in 1971 and his father in 1994, when eight-year-old Andrew was in the squad with him. ‘As Jarl you’re in charge of the Jarl squad, which is 25
‘A torchlit procession culminates in the spectacular burning of a galley boat’
guys or girls of your choosing and they are the leaders of the procession,’ he explains. ‘I used the shield from 1911, which was made by the original Jarl. It’s a piece of history and quite different from the shields carried by the rest of the squad. ‘The festival hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s good that we now have a galley shed and don’t just use somebody’s sheep shed during the winter!’ The Trust cares for several areas of land here in the most northerly part of the British Isles. Unst has a rich archaeological heritage, evident in the areas of land managed by the Trust at Lund, Watlee, Framgord and Collaster. Lund and the surrounding area includes the remains of a Norse settlement complex from the 9th century and the land at Framgord has significant Viking longhouse remains.
JOHN COUTTS
Andrew Hunter, Jarl of the Uyeasound Up Helly Aa
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STEP UP AND STRIDE OUT XXXXXXXXX
We have an amazing array of outdoor spaces at Trust properties. Make the most of them this autumn by taking part in Stride Out for Scotland. With some of Scotland’s best walking routes at Trust places, there are countless ways you can participate. Tackle a Munro, walk a route that takes you from one National Trust for Scotland spot to another, or enjoy a stroll in one of our gardens. Put your best foot forward! Turn the page for more info
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Join fellow members, staff and supporters and take a fundraising walk to support the Trust
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As Edoardo Bedin knows well, there is no better way to experience our outdoor places than on foot. At the time of writing, the Italian historian and archaeologist is part-way through a massive 800km trek, taking in 23 Trust places, to raise money for our appeal. Edoardo is one of several Trust supporters who have
Edoardo Bedin
undertaken sponsored walks to support the Trust, along with Vice President Simon Fraser and his wife Bridget, who are walking 100km of the Berwickshire coast. We’ve made it easy to Stride Out for Scotland. Download your free walkers’ pack full of our favourite walks and spotters’ guides from the Trust’s website. Help us to care for our paths, wildlife and green space by getting sponsored or making a donation for your walk. Download your walkers’ pack at nts.org.uk/stride
THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK Treat your loved ones to Trust membership this Christmas
National Trust for Scotland membership is the perfect gift to give your friends and family enjoyment all year round. Alloway EveryKirk: membership Auld subscription helps us to spooky
care for Scotland’s precious heritage. You can also use your membership at National Trust properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and
Spend time together
with other National Trusts around the world. Thank you for supporting the National Trust for Scotland through
your membership and through membership giving. nts.org.uk/join AUTUMN & & WINTER WINTER 2020 2018 � 61 AUTUMN
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A M O M E N T TO PAU SE A N D E N J OY NORTH-EAST GARDENS MANAGER CHRIS WARDLE REFLECTS ON THE JOYS OF THE CHANGING SEASONS
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s we head towards autumn and winter we can reflect on our successes and failures of the year just passed – and focus on ways to keep spirits up as the nights draw in. It seems to me that people either love or hate this season. Some just want to curl up inside by the fire and wait for the light and warmth to return. Others, though, relish the heady, musty smell of damp earth and fallen leaves and the slightly sweet notes of decay that arrive with autumn. The light takes on a deep, rich quality that brings out the best in plants such as Michaelmas daisies and crocosmia. Seed pods can be found on all sorts of plants – like the rosehips that recall warm, sunny summer days. Like many plants if they’re sturdy and robust, Michaelmas daisies can be left over the winter to form a framework for the frosts and to provide a habitat for
insects. All can be tidied up in spring. A lot of people think that gardeners go into standby mode in winter. Quite the opposite! Their greatest work is often done in the short, chilly days. There are catalogues of seeds and plants to pore over, pruning and renovations to do, and machinery and tools to service. We can all be guilty of not stopping
CHRIS’S TOP TIPS • Plant spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils before the soil gets too cold. Pansies and violas will overwinter and add to next year’s early display. • Mulch the ground
to see the beauty of this time of year – but we should: as the greens of summer give way to yellows and reds and plants’ pigments are revealed, many gardens actually show their true colours. There are tree and shrub collections across our amazing gardens that are well worth a visit in autumn. To see them at their best, come on a clear, sunny day.
with well-rotted garden compost over the winter. This will feed the soil, protect its structure and suppress weeds
for next year. • Long grass or piles of sticks may be home to hibernating hedgehogs, so don’t tidy up every corner.
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For presents your friends and family will cherish, for sharing with those you love most, for the love of Scotland...
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ur online shop offers a wonderful range of gifts inspired by Scotland and the places cared for by the Trust, with a thoughtfully curated selection of textiles, jewellery, food, drink and greetings cards. Many of these products are made in Scotland, and we’re
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particularly proud of those designed and produced exclusively for the Trust. When you shop from home, remember that every penny of profit goes towards our work caring for Scotland’s heritage. nts.org.uk/shop
£200 LUXURY SCOTTISH HAMPER Bursting with indulgent goodies, this stylish rope hamper contains a Christmas cake; mince pies and biscuits; oatcakes, cheese and chutneys; delicious spreads; awardwinning gin and complementary tonics; ales, wines and prosecco; coffee and luxury chocolates. It also includes four tickets to Trust properties, worth up to £80*.
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Includes four complimentary tickets to enjoy a day out at any of our beautiful places
*Maximum value of passes depending on site visited
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Pour yourself a wee dram and contemplate your next visit to Culzean
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NIGHTCAP BRING STYLE AND WARMTH TO YOUR HOME THIS WINTER WITH EXCLUSIVE WHISKY GIFTS AND BEAUTIFUL LEATHER AND TEXTILES
Bottled exclusively for the Trust, our Culzean Castle single malt (£55 for 70cl) is a lovely way to warm up those long winter nights. Our Whisky Stones (£20 for four in a velvet pouch) are the perfect accompaniments. Made from Ailsa Craig granite, simply chill in a freezer for a few hours then pop into your dram. Travel in style with our exclusive washbags (£26), featuring a silver stag or a 66 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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gold Highland cattle design. The bags have a zipped closure, external and internal zipped pockets, a metal frame and contrasting grey or camel interior lining.
The stag and Highland cow motifs also appear on our exclusive, reversible super-soft scarves (£26). nts.org.uk/shop
XXXCREDIT HERE XXX
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FOR THE PERFECT
For wrapping up warm Contemporary knitwear in glorious jewel tones, designed in the Highlands and inspired by the vibrant, ever-changing colours of the Scottish landscape Keep cosy this winter with our selection of contemporary knitwear from the award-winning Green Grove Weavers. Designed in the Highlands, these bright lambswool accessories are made on traditional looms. Designs
include contemporary Fair Isle patterns in a vibrant colour palette as well as bold stripes and jewelcoloured gloves and berets. Mittens £24, berets £35 and scarves from £45. nts.org.uk/shop
For treating someone special
XXXCREDIT HERE XXX
Each of our gift boxes includes two complimentary tickets to Trust places, worth up to £40*
PINEWOOD GIN BOX Our delicious Pinewood Gin is made using botanicals sourced entirely from Mar Lodge Estate, paired here with Walter Gregor’s, the first tonic water made in Scotland. Enjoy alongside Stag Bakers Gourmet Cheese Straws and The Cocoabean Company Milk Chocolate Caramels (£50).
TASTE OF SCOTLAND GIFT BOX Presented in a luxury gift box, this wonderful collection of treats sourced from across Scotland (£40) includes Perthshire Sweet Oatcakes, Nevis Butterscotch Cake, Stag Bakers Original Water Biscuits, High Croft Salted Caramel Fudge and Mrs Bridges Four Berry Preserve.
*Maximum value of passes depending on site visited
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Culloden heather jewellery, exclusive to the Trust
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FOR YOUR OWN LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY BEAUTIFUL GIFTS INSPIRED BY SCOTLAND AND THE PLACES IN OUR CARE Carry a tiny piece of Scotland with you wherever you go with our range of gorgeous and exclusive Culloden heather jewellery. The heather is sustainably picked from the moors at Culloden before being preserved in clear resin. Prices start at £35. The striking graphics of our Buildings of the National Trust for
Scotland range is inspired by some of our best-loved houses and castles. The hand-drawn design is exclusive to the Trust and features on a range of travel accessories, including a travel bag (£30), washbag (£12), purse (£7) and passport cover (£8). Another exclusive design inspired by our places has been used for a selection of beautiful 100% silk
scarves. They normally cost £18 but are currently on special offer at £10. And, finally, the Barrhead Leather Sporran Bag (£95) is inspired by traditional sporrans. Handmade from Harris Tweed and deerskin leather, this is a luxury accessory that will stand the test of time. nts.org.uk/shop
L SPECIA OFFER
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MORE IDEAS ! ONLINE
For stockings full of treats
HIGHLAND SOAP CO SOAP BARS Handmade in the Highlands from natural ingredients such as honey and juniper, these fragrant soaps (£6) bring home the scents of Scotland.
Visit our online shop at nts.org.uk/shop to discover a wonderful array of little gems inspired by Scotland
LADIES’ SOCKS These soft, comfortable socks (sizes 4-7, £7.50) are made from bamboo and feature stylish designs developed from specially commissioned, handdrawn illustrations.
MICE KEYRINGS Keep your keys together with this cute mouse keyring (£8). With a soft plush face and ears and a faux-suede cord tail, this cutie takes a touch of tweed wherever you go.
ROBERT SMAIL’S NOTEPADS Created by us at Robert Smail’s Printing Works, these notebooks (£5) are printed on the treadle-powered Arab Clam Shell Press.
FOR CHRISTMAS ESSENTIALS
Buy your cards from nts.org.uk/shop – 100% of the profit goes to the work of the Trust
Twin pack, five of each
CHRISTMAS CARDS
We have brought back your favourites this year at the best ever value. £4 per pack of 10 cards or three packs for £10.
WALL CALENDAR 2021
Enjoy glorious views of Scotland’s treasures all year round with this practical planner. Twin pack, five of each
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So good to be back at Castle Fraser yesterday. The gardeners have been seriously busy while we’ve been away! Great job @N_T_S. Nicola Bell @NicBell3
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We loved reading your social media posts celebrating the reopening of our places this summer. Thank you for sharing your pictures and stories.
Nice to see Crarae Garden in the sun and in full bloom this afternoon – always makes me think what good value our @N_T_S membership is. Angus MacKinnon @AngusM1966
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AMAZE US ON INSTAGRAM
THE INSTA PIC WE LOVE THE MOST GETS A TASTE OF SCOTLAND GIFT BOX Moody clouds above add atmosphere to this shot of Glencoe Lochan by @photo.xplore
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AND THE WINNER IS…
Wildflowers in the foreground give an extra dimension to this classic shot of Buachaille Etive Mor by @kyliemacbethphotography
@scottish_hortic beautifully captured this stunning rose at Geilston Garden. This regal image of Brodie Castle looking stately in the sun was taken by @dennis_ mcdermott_photography
@bigbadbarryboy was one of the first visitors at the reopened Crathes Castle, as pictured in this playful shot. Post your views of our places, tagging them #NationalTrustForScotland and #FortheLoveofScotland 70 � AUTUMN & WINTER 2020
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We’re @nationaltrustforscotland on Facebook and Instagram, and @N_T_S on Twitter. You can email nts@thinkpublishing.co.uk or even pick up a pen and write. The address is: National Trust for Scotland magazine, Think Publishing, 33 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow G40 4LA
Great to be back at Culzean! Staff were superb as always. Well thought out social distancing at the entrance hut, shop and coffee shop. Grounds amazing as always. Which property next? Colin S @largs55
country
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collection
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Dusky pink Sapphire Sage Mimosa Topaz Cyclamen Jade
So pleased @N_T_S gardens are open, today we visited one of our favourites Kellie Castle in #eastneuk #fife #kellie the garden looked beautiful and the wildflower meadow stunning. Alison Cage @alisoncageart
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For credit and debit card orders phone Offer code UK 0330 094 8683 SC11 Overseas 00 44 16979 20198 (we are here 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat) Order online www.countrycollection.co.uk or complete and return the Freepost coupon. Hurry offer ends 11th November 2020.
Lovely to see Priorwood Garden and Harmony Garden in #Melrose. Both reopened by @N_T_S and both gardens full of colour and looking great! Scott Macdonald @scottymacadamia
(Offer covers the duration of Country Collection Autumn, Winter & Christmas Essentials 2020 catalogues)
Pale blue Tartan green Amethyst Red spice Camel Bluebell Black
NO TIME LIMIT PRODUCT GUARANTEE & FREE RETURNS If at any time during its lifetime, an issue arises with the quality of the product please return it for an exchange or immediate refund in full. Returns are post free (UK only). BLOCK CAPS PLEASE Name (Title) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
#Staycation2020 walk today at @ThreaveGarden @N_T_S. Last time I was here was 36 years ago but still as beautiful as I remember. Iain Gray @iain_gray
Postctode ___________________________________________ Tel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mobile______________________________________________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________________________________________________ Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails from Country Collection about special offers available to our web site customers (your email address will not be passed onto any third party) See our privacy policy at: www.countrycollection.co.uk/privacy REF COLOUR SIZE QTY PRICE TOTAL From time to time, we’d like to send you our latest catalogue and special offers by post. If you would 834 £65 £49 prefer not to receive these, please tick this box 834 £65 £49 We may in the future occasionally make customers’ £65 £49 834 names available to selected trusted retailers, UK Deduct £13 when ordering two or more charities and organisations whose products we feel I enclose a sterling cheque P&P £5.50 FREE might be of interest to you. Should you prefer not to payable to Country Collection receive these by postal mailings please tick this box Grand Total or charge my Mastercard, Visa Phone UK 0330 094 8683 Overseas 00 44 16979 20198 or American Express card no:
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Post to: Country Collection, FREEPOST CE451, Dept. SC11, Crawhall, BRAMPTON, Cumbria CA8 1BR
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Crathes Castle – a great place to volunteer
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THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road Edinburgh EH11 4DF Telephone 0131 458 0200 Website www.nts.org.uk Patron HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay KG KT GCB OM Chairman Sir Mark Jones Chief Executive Phil Long
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The National Trust for Scotland is a charity, independent of government, supported by legacies, donations and the subscriptions of its 370,000 members.
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LOOKING BEHIND THE SCENES
Scottish Charity Number SC 007410 NTS Magazine Editor Emily Rodway nts.editor@thinkpublishing.co.uk Sub Editor Judy Diamond Design John Pender Assistant Editor Angela McManus Editorial Assistant Jennifer Constable
Passionate about our places since childhood, Kelly Morrison gets a unique insight into our work by volunteering for the Trust PRODUCTION CLIENT
I love visiting castles and stately homes, I think it’s fair to say I’ve always as well as finding out about the work that had a passion for the Trust. I goes on outdoors to look after our was a member with my family landscapes and wildlife. from the age of 12, and got my own I was mesmerised by the properties membership when I was 18. I used to visit when I was little, and I’ve I started volunteering and worked for a always been interested in the stories, while at Crathes Castle when I first left history and culture of these places. university. I got involved in all aspects of the property, in events and marketing I’m intrigued too by how going to and helping the property manager. different properties makes you feel For the past 11 years I’ve gone and how it can inspire you. The Trust’s work is something on Thistle Camp working I’ve always wanted to be holidays to amazing places involved with. That’s why I’m a such as Fair Isle. Volunteering member – I want to support in these incredible locations the charity. gives you a unique Kelly I currently work on a west experience, connecting more Morrison coast maritime heritage project deeply to the people and place, at the Centre for Recreation and and being able to contribute Tourism Research, part of the University something too. of the Highlands and Islands. After I’ve been involved in all sorts of outdoor volunteering at the Trust, I did a masters conservation. I teamed up with the in heritage and interpretation – I was so crofters on Fair Isle, painting and interested in the subject, in how visitors gardening, and I really got involved in make the most of their experience and island life. I also did habitat maintenance how you communicate stories about work at the bird observatory. It was a inspiring places, that it’s now my career. fantastic experience.
Advertising Manager Sonal Mistry sonal.mistry@ thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 3771 7247 Senior Sales Executive Elizabeth Courtney elizabeth.courtney@ thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 3771 7208 Group Account Director John Innes john.innes@ thinkpublishing.co.uk The National Trust for Scotland’s member magazine is published three times a year by Think, on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland. www.thinkpublishing.co.uk Printed in the UK by Wyndeham Southernprint. © The National Trust for Scotland 2020 ISSN 2631-3170 ABC Circulation 211,405 (Jan-Dec 2017) Cover image: Iain Masterton / Alamy Stock Photo All other photography © The National Trust for Scotland unless otherwise stated. The National Trust for Scotland takes no responsibility for advertisements within the magazine. No unsolicited manuscripts please. If you no longer wish to receive this magazine please contact our Customer Services team by telephone on 0131 458 0200 or by post to National Trust for Scotland, Customer Services, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR TRUST?
Let us know … See page 71 for contact details l #ForTheLoveofScotland
PEFC/16-33-1488
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