National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is the independent charity that protects and shares some of our country’s most precious historic places and natural landscapes on behalf of the people of Scotland.

With over 380,000 members we’re the largest membership organisation in Scotland. Each year we welcome 3 million visitors to our 88 visited properties, 300,000+ artefacts and more than 76,000 hectares of countryside and gardens.

Since 1931, we’ve pioneered public access to and shared ownership of some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and habitats in Scotland. We care for ancient houses, battlefields, castles, mills, gardens, coastlines, islands, mountain ranges and all the communities, plants and animals which depend upon them.

Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Glencoe National Nature Reserve, St Kilda, Mar Lodge National Nature Reserve, Culloden, Bannockburn and Ben Lomond are among the jewels that are familiar to anyone who has ever lived in or visited Scotland. These places mean so much to so many people. From the simple fun and happiness of taking the children around a country park, the exhilaration of being alone with only the sounds of the sea and the birds, and the quiet contemplation of great historical events to experiencing simple insights into the daily routines of lives once lived.

Together, the places and objects in our care tell the stories of Scotland and the Scots: how our people travelled and interacted with the wider world, taking with them their energy and values and returning with new ideas and treasures. Without our involvement, many of these places and things would have been lost forever to the damage caused by time, tide, climate, voracious pests and developers.