Donators put their trust in heritage with £500k gift

THE cash-strapped National Trust for Scotland – which has had to find savings of £2 million – has raised a staggering £500,000 from a ball.

The event has been hailed as the most successful single fundraising event in the charity's history, raising the huge sum for conservation work across Scotland.

The funds will enable the charity – whose patron is Prince Charles – to carry out a wide range of conservation projects, from preserving important interior collections, to carrying out crucial building repairs and preserving the beauty of stunning gardens.

Kate Mavor, chief executive of the trust, said the President's Ball – which took place at 17th-century Newhailes, East Lothian, on Friday – was an outstanding success.

The conservation charity confirmed yesterday that the event raised more than 475,000, with the possibility of more to come.

Ms Mavor said: "This enormous sum has exceeded even our wildest dreams. It will enable us to undertake many more of the conservation projects that are badly needed but have been too long delayed.

"I am particularly pleased that it will enable us to restart a major community programme of outdoor conservation workshops for young people."

The President's Ball was attended by 440 people who enjoyed an evening of music and dance, compered by TV personality Rory Bremner. Many of Scotland's leading contemporary artists contributed works for an auction, which also included travel opportunities and a visit to Les Miserables, donated by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

The organisation's president, the Duke of Buccleuch, paid tribute to the remarkable spread of support which had provided a huge morale boost to everyone in the trust.

He said: "From the commitment of the hundreds of people there on the night, across the many leading Scottish companies and organisations that gave donations, to the teams of volunteers and staff who created a spectacular event, we will draw not just money, but energy and passion in the cause of caring for Scotland's heritage."

The charity cares for more than 100 places for the benefit of the nation, including 28 castles, palaces and great houses; 12 social and industrial heritage sites; three historic burghs; 76,000 hectares of countryside; 16 islands; seven national nature reserves; 46 Munros; and one Dual World Heritage Site – St Kilda.

The troubled NTS faced a motion at its AGM of no confidence in management – after closures and job losses – which was withdrawn before the meeting in September.

Some of the best-known figures in Scotland – including Sir Tom Farmer – are among a group which is currently overseeing a strategic review of the NTS.

Former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid, will lead the "robust and independent" review.

The trust had announced at the start of last year plans to lose 91 full-time staff, though this number was later reduced to 65, and close properties to save cash.