National Trust finance chief steps down after five years

THE woman in charge of the purse strings at the National Trust for Scotland has stepped down after five years at the heritage charity. Lesley Watt's departure was announced as the NTS moved into its new Hermiston Quay headquarters.

The charity was forced to shed staff and sell off its Charlotte Square headquarters last year amid mounting financial difficulties.

Ms Watt, who joined the Trust as a consultant in November 2005 and was appointed finance director in 2006, said: "I had made the decision to go back to the corporate sector some time ago, but agreed that I would stay to ensure a number of key projects were taken to conclusion. These included the move of the charity's HQ and last week's Annual General Meeting."

The Trust's president, The Duke of Buccleuch, said: "The Trust owes Lesley Watt a debt of gratitude. I express warm appreciation to Lesley for the professionalism and passion she dedicated to managing the Trust's finances."