National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) describes itself as the conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland's natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy.
It was established in 1931 and (as of 2006) had 500 employees, over 290,000 members, and 1.7 million recorded visitors. It is similar in function to the National Trust, which covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and other national trusts worldwide. The Trust's Patron is The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay; the President is the Earl of Dalkeith, and the Chairman is Shonaig Macpherson.
The NTS owns and manages over 127 properties and 760 square kilometres (180,000 acres) of land, including castles, ancient small dwellings, historic sites, gardens, and remote rural areas. Most grounds and open spaces are open throughout the year but buildings may generally only be visited from Easter to October, sometimes only in the afternoons.
Originally, the NTS owned properties rather than "wilderness" areas. When the Trust took on the management of rural estates there was controversy concerning the siting of visitor centres, placing of signposts, etc. However, the Trust has learned to adopt a more sensitive approach, even to the extent of removing some intrusive facilities such as the original Glen Coe Visitor Centre.
Annual membership of the NTS allows free entry to properties and "Discovery Tickets" are available for shorter term visitors. NTS membership also provides free entry to (English) National Trust properties and vice versa. The Trust has an independent sister organization in the United States, The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, headed by Curt DiCamillo.
For the maintenance of its nature properties, the NTS also relies on the contributions of volunteers, with local circles of Conservation Volunteers working on projects during weekends. The NTS also organises working holidays called Thistle Camps on various properties. Activities undertaken during such camps typically include footpath maintenance and woodland work such as rhododendron control.
A typical visit to a castle
A typical castle property, for example Crathes Castle, will have grounds that may be visited without charge (or with an honesty box donation). A charge is likely to be made for car parking, visiting a walled garden, or touring the castle itself. There are usually waymarked paths in the grounds and a children's playground.
Generally visitors tour inside a castle at whatever speed they prefer, reading information from display boards. There are staff and volunteers in many rooms to answer questions. At quiet times (mid-week, out of holidays) conducted tours are more likely to be available. The guide might be a long-time employee of the castle (from before it became an NTS property) in which case he will be very knowledgeable. The Trust attempts to show a property not as museum, but as the castle actually was at one time. Even so, there are inevitably closed-off areas and modern display cases. There is likely to be a tea room and gift shop.
Some properties offer activities for children such as quiz-sheets and workshops.
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