Alan acts for National Trust

ACTOR Alan Cumming has helped launch the National Trust for Scotland's summer season.

The Edinburgh-based heritage charity, which was recently forced to sell off its Charlotte Square headquarters due to funding problems, appointed the High Life star its first-ever celebrity ambassador last year.

He said: "Every year when the National Trust for Scotland opens its doors for the season, a whole new world of possibility and magic becomes ours. It's our country, our heritage, our past, and thanks to the trust we get to live it, breathe it, walk round it, and even sleep in it. And it's all on our doorstep – don't miss it."

Last year the NTS had to lay off staff and look at closing properties due to a funding crisis.