Body launches a strategy to improve its portfolio
Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland is gearing up for a busy summer as it launches a series of multi-million pound projects at some of its most popular attractions.
In line with its strategy to spend £57 million improving the buildings and areas in its care, the charity which protects Scotland’s national and natural treasures, has invested £13 million in a series of major improvements across key locations for the Spring/Summer 2019 season.
It is, the charity says, the most ambitious programme of capital investment it has ever undertaken in one year.
Simon Skinner, chief executive at the National Trust for Scotland said: “Over the past year, on top of what we normally spend caring for our landscapes, buildings and collections, we’ve undertaken the most ambitious programme of capital investment ever at the Trust, to create even more memorable, exciting experiences that celebrate the beautiful places we protect.
“New facilities and innovative exhibitions are being put in place to help tell Scotland’s stories, bring our properties to life and give visitors reasons to come back again and again. Brodick Castle shows this new approach. Simply stated, we’ve transformed the traditional castle experience into a fun and fully immersive day out for the whole family.”
Brodick Castle on Arran is the first of these revamped properties to open. Following significant investment and development, the 19th century castle will officially unveil its new interactive exhibition at a family fun event this weekend (4–6 May).
Following the success of the Trust’s For the Love of Scotland campaign in 2018, the charity is launching a second phase of the campaign in early May, in a bid to encourage even more people to come and experience their heritage. A re-worked TV advert, outdoor and digital advertising will encourage people to discover all the many things they love about Scotland at a National Trust for Scotland location.
Later this month Glencoe will also unveil its revamped visitor centre and Inverewe Garden in Wester Ross is also launching a new restaurant and visitor centre with work on the 23 metre observation tower also underway.
The eagerly anticipated Hill House Box, designed to protect Mackintosh’s domestic masterpiece in Helensburgh will also be open for visitors later in the spring.
