THE head of the country's largest conservation charity has made a new plea to 40,000 members to help preserve Scotland's heritage in a new fund-raising appeal.
The National Trust for Scotland's campaign comes a year after a cost of care exercise for the NTS estate showed that they need to raise £46 million over the next ten years to ensure that the properties they care for are maintained and accessible for current and future generations to enjoy.
Now the new ‘I’m in for the future’ appeal aims to raises vital funds to ensure that the treasured places in the charity’s care can be maintained now and for future generations.
The campaign aims to raise £150,000, which initially focus on repairs to the Glenfinnan Monument in Lochaber. The monument which commemorates the 1745 Jacobite rebellion is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and has been ravaged by the elements, standing on the shore of Loch Shiel. Around £160,000 is needed to enable the charity to carry out important repairs to prevent further erosion of the monument and ensure that it continues to stand for another 200 years.
The new fund-raising move comes just two months after the NTS's new chief executive Simon Skinner told the charity's annual meeting that its survival depends on doubling its membership and “standing up” as an influential and relevant campaigning organisation.
He said that it “must not be afraid” to voice the concerns of its 347,000 members, and to challenge local and national government on energy and planning policies.
While income from appeals and donations rose to £2.72m in 2014/15, an increase of £1.1m, roughly half of the increase was raised at the bi-annual President’s Ball in Castle Fraser in May 2014.
Last year the Trust's operating deficit rose from £257,000 in 2013/14 to £885,000.
In his latest appeal, Mr Skinner said that looking after Scotland’s heritage is "no fairytale" and costs around £50 per minute at present to keep the National Trust for Scotland’s heritage treasures in their current condition.
The National Trust for Scotland cares for 188,000 acres of countryside, many miles of coastline, historic castles, palaces and houses, gardens. They include the house in Kirriemuir, Fife, where one of the world’s best loved fairytales – Peter Pan – is said to have been dreamt up by the author JM Barrie.
The charity's fairytale-themed appeal is launched on #GivingTuesday, the charitable global movement which came to the UK in 2014 as an "antidote to the shopping extravaganza of Black Friday and Cyber Monday".
In a letter to 40,000 Trust members, charity chief executive Simon Skinner said: “Although time stands still for the ever-young Peter Pan this is most certainly not the case for our properties. Scotland’s heritage needs to be protected every minute of every day.
“There is no ‘magical solution’ to protecting Scotland’s heritage. It is incredibly hard work and takes a lot of time, effort and commitment – and funds.
"You have been a member with us for many years, and we are so grateful that we have the support of many people like you, who cherish the magnificent places in our care. We simply couldn’t continue without the generosity of our supporters and members – that’s why I’m writing to you today. Will you help us by giving £20 to the ‘I’m in for the future’ appeal this year?
"As every day passes, I become more aware that Scotland’s heritage means many different things to different people. For some it’s something tangible – a glorious garden or an enchanting castle; for others it’s something intangible – links to the distant past through stories or song. And for many it’s their personal memories of visiting a National Trust for Scotland property.
"Although everyone has a unique perspective, a common acknowledgement from everyone I have talked with is the importance of not taking Scotland’s heritage for granted.
"I do hope you consider making a donation to this appeal today. We owe it to Scotland, ourselves and the future generations to protect the special places in our care forever."
The conservation charity currently meets the majority of its costs from its membership base as well as from private donors.
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