New head of development at National Trust
Scotland’s largest conservation charity has announced a new head of development charged with taking forward ambitious fundraising targets.
Mark Bishop will join the National Trust for Scotland on 5 October and will be placed in charge of a fundraising team responsible for securing donations, bequests and support towards the conservation of Scotland’s most iconic and best-loved buildings and sights.
Bishop has spent the last six and half years as director of fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, in which time he oversaw initiatives that helped to grow the charity’s income by 600%, including the high-profile Men United campaign.
National Trust for Scotland’s chief executive, Simon Skinner said: “Mark will play a pivotal role in the Trust as we look forward to the future.
“We have already announced target of raising an additional £46 million over the next 10years to fuel the existing conservation objectives we have in place – but we must and we will go beyond this with new and much more ambitious fundraising programmes.
I’m certain that we can deliver a real step-change that will ensure the future success of the charity - Mark Bishop
“Mark will be responsible for designing a new strategy that will enable us to launch fresh appeals and campaigns both at home and abroad. The money raised will be the catalyst for transformational efforts to conserve and promote the best of Scottish heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Previously Bishop, Stirling University graduate, was Head of Corporate Fundraising at Leonard Cheshire Disability for five years following earlier career spells with HarperCollins publishers and Sky Television.
“I’m really delighted to be joining such a well-respected and valued organisation as the National Trust for Scotland,” said Bishop.
“Under Simon’s leadership I’m certain that we can deliver a real step-change that will ensure the future success of the charity. I am really impressed by his passion and vision and with my team I will help deliver on this by setting and meeting bold new income targets.
“I am particularly looking forward to playing a part in building a movement of committed supporters who care about Scotland’s heritage: I want to help people appreciate just how wonderful the places cared for by the Trust are.”
NTS has 330,000 members and manages properties such as Culzean and Brodick castles as well as historic sites such as Glencoe, Culloden and Bannockburn battlefields.
