Now you can help NTS too
features in a new campaign by the National Trust for Scotland.
Stride Out for Scotland encourages people to get out and enjoy the country’s most beautiful locations and raise vital funds for Scotland’s conservation charity.
The campaign, which features walks and trails across the country, has been inspired by trust members and donors who contacted the charity in their hundreds following the Covid-19 outbreak offering to raise funds through sponsored walks.
Stride Out for Scotland gives them a list of routes and walks taking in gardens, woodlands, stunning coastlines, Munros and waterfalls at properties cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
There are also walks for families and wildlife trails where you can see Scotland’s big five - the golden eagle, red deer, red squirrel, harbour seal and otter. Culzean Castle ticks almost every box for the campaign with deep woods, a deer park, caves and beaches. The surrounding picture-perfect country park has 17 miles of paths so it may take a few visits to cover the ground.
Making the cut in the Stride Out for Scotland with a challenge section is Arran’s stunning Goatfell. The guide says the peak dominates the island skyline and offers views to Jura and Ben Lomond, however, it warns that to reach the summit can take up to five hours so make sure you go prepared.
Stride Out for Scotland aims to address an urgent shortfall in income for the charity.
From the beginning of lockdown on March 24 paying visits to National Trust for Scotland locations were reduced to zero with visitors limited to only free to enter natural heritage properties. The charity’s main opening Easter season was completely missed.
All of this, along with a five per cent drop off in memberships has left the trust in crisis with a £28 million loss in essential income. The Save Our Scotland fundraising appeal hopes to raise a minimum of £2.5 million as part of its recovery plan to ensure the continued protection of the properties and cultural heritage in its care.
To date the appeal has raised £2million and the trust is grateful to those who so far have come to its aid at this time of crisis.
Ali MacLeod, head of fundraising at the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘We wanted to inspire our supporters to explore and reconnect with the places they love and we protect and, if they are able to, fundraise to help ensure their on-going care and conservation.
‘With our countryside places, gardens and estates now open to the public, we’re asking everyone who enjoys walking in our locations to join in.
‘After such a difficult few months, many of us are craving the restorative effects of fresh air and greenery and the trust has plenty of that to go round.
‘Stride Out for Scotland will not only inspire people to enjoy the stunning places on their doorsteps but will also help raise funds for our emergency appeal. Whether you’re a novice hill walker, an experienced hiker or just looking for fun family adventures, there’s a walk to suit everyone.’ A Stride Out for Scotland fundraising pack is available to download online.
Those taking part can also share their pics on social media, using the hashtag #StrideOutForScotland
The National Trust for Scotland is urging people to maintain Scottish Government guidelines on hand hygiene and social distancing.