Critics withdraw motion of no confidence

Published on Saturday 26 September 2009 02:30

CRITICS of the National Trust for Scotland have withdrawn a motion of no confidence at the eleventh hour in a show of support for the charity's future.

Trust member Charles Barrington had lodged the motion of no confidence in the chairman Shonaig MacPherson, and the governing board and council.

It was due to be put to the vote at today's annual general meeting, expected to be attended by about 400 people.

However, The Scotsman learned yesterday it had been withdrawn at the last minute.

This is believed to be largely due to a decision by Ms MacPherson, announced earlier this month, to step down as soon as a replacement was found.

Critics have also put their faith in a review of the trust, to be carried out over the coming year, which they hope will settle concerns about the governance structure and relationship between the board and council.

Mr Barrington said: "The time for harassment by us is over. We hope they will now turn from efforts to justify and defend pretty indefensible actions of the past and look forwards – mending fences and rebuilding trust morale over the winter for a successful 2010."

He threw his support behind chief executive Kate Mavor, who has been in post for six months.

Ms Mavor said she also hopes today's AGM at Murrayfield Stadium will present a chance for a fresh start, and to "put to bed" concerns.

"I have great hope and ambition for this organisation," she said. "I think it's a wonderful organisation and I can see a very clear way forward."

She added she had not been worried by the motion of no confidence – highlighting that it had been tabled by 21 members out of more than 300,000. "Since I have been here, 5,800 people have joined the NTS. For me, that's a vote of confidence," she said.

She told The Scotsman she believes it is time the NTS has an image overhaul.

She added: "The image we want to project is that we are an efficient and tidily run organisation."

Talking about the job cuts and mothballing of properties over the past year, she said:

"We have had to take some really tough decisions. It's very unfortunate but it was the right thing to do."