Calman to head National Trust for Scotland

Sir Kenneth Calman's appointment follows the departure of Shonaig Macpherson from the role in January, amid opposition to a series of cost-cutting measures by the heritage body.

The chairmanship has been held since then on an interim basis by Dick Balharry.

NTS President, the Duke of Buccleuch, said today: "Sir Kenneth has a wealth of strategic and leadership experience gained throughout an impressive career.

"We are enormously fortunate to secure the services of someone who combines that experience with passion for our heritage and who is thus well-qualified to guide the Trust through the next steps of its journey following the conclusion of George Reid's Strategic Review."

Sir Kenneth's appointment must still be formally ratified at a meeting of the Trust's council next month and will commence after the organisation's AGM in September.

He was selected by the Trust's nominations committee and a selection panel which included representatives from its council and board.

The Trust last year announced it was to sell its headquarters in Edinburgh's Charlotte Square, mothball three historic properties and cut more than 70 full-time and seasonal jobs to tackle its mounting debts.

Ms Macpherson announced she was standing down in September last year. It came after a motion of no confidence was tabled against her by members.

But the organisation announced this month that it is in a "more secure" financial position than a year ago, with annual results showing its working reserves now stand at 8.5 million - more than double the previous year's 4.1 million.

The National Trust for Scotland looks after more than 100 historic properties which showcase Scotland's architectural heritage.

The Calman Commission, chaired by Sir Kenneth, came up with recommendations to improve Scottish devolution, and the new Tory/Lib Dem coalition Government at Westminster has vowed to implement them.

One of the most radical is that the UK Government should cut the rate of income tax by 10p across all tax bands in Scotland and Holyrood should make up the difference.

Scotland would also get powers over some other taxes - air passenger duty, stamp duty land tax, the aggregates levy and landfill tax, according to the proposals.

Ms Macpherson also sat on the commission.