National Trust reveals sharp slump in visitors

Historic properties in Scotland have been hit by a visitors’ slump, it has emerged.

National Trust for Scotland’s chief executive, Kate Mavor, told the body’s annual meeting at the weekend that the situation was a “challenge”.

“We are still considering the impact and implications of this summer’s difficult trading conditions which have meant fewer visitors and reduced revenue for the trust, and for visitor attractions and heritage organisations across Scotland and the UK,” she said.

The trust has carried out a review of its 129 visited properties and found that none will be closed or disposed of as a result of the process. But, in the 
future, there is still scope for some properties to be managed using different models and 
approaches, the trust said.

Among the non-NTS homes to also be hit by a visitor slump was the late Queen Mother’s Scottish home. The trust that runs the Castle of Mey, in Caithness, has revealed that visitor numbers have plunged by 15 per cent this season – and the Olympics was a major reason why.

James Murray, managing director of the Castle of Mey Trust, blamed the Olympics, bad weather, high fuel prices and the recession.