Charity says non-heritage properties are being reviewed

Bute House, the official residence of Scotland’s first minister, could be sold as the National Trust faces a cash crisis.

Bosses at the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) are reported to be considering selling non-heritage properties with Bute House under review.

The property raises an estimated £70,000 a year in rent and its sale would provide much needed funds.

The trust, which cares for places such as Culloden, Culzean Castle and Hill House in Helensburgh, has seen its income all but wiped out during what is normally the busiest period for membership recruitment and property visits.

A spokesperson for NTS said no decisions had been taken on which properties would be sold off but stressed that none of its heritage attractions would be affected by the move.

A review of its non-heritage property assets is set to get underway, a spokesman added.

The trust said it may to cut staff numbers by 420 in a bid to stem an estimated £28m loss this year.

The Scottish government said it was worried about the impact of coronavirus on National Trust for Scotland with Fiona Hyslop, the cabinet secretary for economy, fair work and culture due to meet the charity.

A statement said: “The trust plays a key role in the preservation and management of some of our most significant national assets, including one of our six World Heritage Sites. The sites in its estate are crucial to their local economies and communities, particularly in many rural areas.

“The Scottish government is keen to work with the trust to explore the support available to ensure that it can carry on its valuable work. The cabinet secretary for economy, fair work and culture is due to meet with the Trust soon and has offered it the support of Scottish Enterprise.”