Vehicle tracks are ruining Scotland’s beautiful sights

A coalition of nine leading Scottish environmental organisations is calling for stronger laws to protect the country’s most iconic landscapes from damaging vehicle tracks. Scottish Environment LINK Hilltracks sub-group has published its Changing Tracks report – following three years of gathering evidence into whether planning legislation is effectively managing the development of the highly-visible tracks.…

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Throwing their doors open to the public

Properties across Aberdeenshire will open their doors for two days this weekend (15 and 16 September) for Doors Open Days 2018. From Portsoy to Benholm, Stonehaven to Braemar there are a wide variety of establishments taking part. Tod Head Lighthouse near Catterline was a popular venue last year and has come back for a second…

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Witness amazing scenery – from a comfortable chair

Embrace the spirit of the great outdoors – from the safety of a comfy seat later this month. The Scottish Adventure Travel Film Festival returns to the National Trust for Scotland’s idyllic Inverewe Garden on the shores of Loch Ewe, Wester Ross, for a third year to showcase the best adventure films from around the…

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Dedication to his post earns John a reward

We all know someone who has gone over and above the call of duty in order to do their job. Now, a dedicated member of staff who slept overnight in an Aberdeenshire castle has been awarded a prestigious award by the National Trust for Scotland. John Lemon, visitor services supervisor at Craigievar Castle near Alford…

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It will be all light on the night on Scottish mountains

A special charity fundraising involving Scottish mountains is returning this month. The National Trust for Scotland has opened registrations for one of its most unique fundraising events, the Torchlight Challenge. Taking place on Saturday 15 September, the Torchlight Challenge invites those with a passion for Scotland’s mountains to climb one of three of Scotland’s most…

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A campsite fit for a king as park gets five star honour

A campsite on the grounds of a fairytale Scottish castle has become Ayrshire’s first ever Five Star Touring Park, following a grading by VisitScotland. Culzean Castle Camping and Caravanning Club site, located on the South Ayrshire coast, received the award from the national tourism organisation’s Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme in recognition of its exceptional standards.…

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Celebrating the natural beauty of Glencoe

National Trust for Scotland president Neil Oliver has visited Glencoe to recognise the site as Scotland’s newest National Nature Reserve. Joined by local schoolchildren and the charity’s staff, he unveiled a plaque to celebrate Glencoe’s new status. Neil also met with Derek Alexander, head of archaeological services, to hear about finds that had been made…

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Do a 5K charity run and you can have so much fun

A seriously fun 5K is coming to a National Trust for Scotland castle next weekend. Gung-Ho! is a five kilometre run with a difference as racers take on, not just the clock and fellow competitors, but inflatable obstacles too. Taking place at Castle Fraser in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday 1 September 2018, participants will run,…

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Floral tributes mark centenary of the Armistace

Gardens are blooming across Scotland  to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War centenary. Gardeners at National Trust for Scotland properties across the north east of Scotland have cultivated striking memorial displays of Armistice flowers to remember those who lost their lives. The Armistice installations have their own dedicated area in…

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Public digs find evidence of attack at Scots castle

A public dig has uncovered evidence of a 17th century attack at a Scottish castle. Over 400 members of the public took part in archaeological excavations at the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle and Castle Fraser, in Aberdeenshire, over the last two weekends. At both locations the work was supervised by the conservation charity’s…

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