Scottish actor Brian Cox has shown his support for the Scottish National Trust's new fundraising campaign, aiming to raise two and a half million pounds.

The actor, known for his roles in Braveheart, The Bourne Identity and Troy is lending his voice to the charity in a bid to encourage people to support the future of Scotland's properties, natural heritage sites, designed landscapes and conservation projects.

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In a video showcasing some of Scotland’s most beloved landmarks, including Glencoe, Culzean Castle and the Hill House, Cox urges people to get behind the campaign to “save our sealife, our summits and our stories”.

The Save our Scotland appeal hopes to raise at least two and a half million to ensure the protection of properties and cultural heritage.

Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the trust has suffered a 28 million pound shortfall and could struggle to reopen some sites in 2020 or even 2021.

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Mark Bishop, director of customer and cause at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Right now the trust is in crisis and we need the help of our members, donors and the public more than ever before.

“Our job is to protect many of the things that make Scotland so unique – from castles steeped in history to landscapes famous the world over and the wealth of natural habitats.

“If we aren’t able to love and care for these wonderful places and spaces, Scotland’s natural and built heritage is at significant risk.

“If we lose it now, we are robbing future generations of what we enjoy so much today.”

The charity, now more than ever, relies on memberships and donations to ensure the long-term preservation of its sites.

The drop in income may see some sold into private ownership or temporarily closed due to insufficient funds for upkeep.

While a number of sites are hoping to reopen when restrictions are lifted on July 15, some say this could be impossible due to lack of income or not being able to adhere to the current two-metre social distancing rules in Scotland.