Charity looks after national treasures

Founded in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) protects natural landscapes, historic buildings and archaeological sites around the country.

It cares for 77,699 hectares of countryside, including 46 Munros, eight national nature reserves and more than 400 islands and islets.

The trust accounts for nearly 20% of attraction visits in Perthshire, according to chief executive Simon Skinner.

It looks after some of the area’s most popular countryside sites including the Hermitage at Dunkeld, Branklyn Garden in Perth and Killiecrankie, off the A9 – the scene of one of Scotland’s bloodiest Jacobite battles.

In total, the NTS has 270 listed buildings, the birthplaces of important Scottish figures including Robert Burns, David Livingstone and JM Barrie and 70 gardens and designed landscapes.

The Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife, which features in the TV series Outlander and is described as “Scotland’s most complete example of a burgh of the 17th and 18th Centuries”, is also in its care.

Fife also houses Falkland Palace, Kellie Castle, Balmerino Abbey and Hill of Tarvit Mansion

In Angus, Barry Mill and House of Dun are operated by the NTS, as is Barrie’s birthplace at Kirriemuir.

Mr Skinner said: “In straight economic terms, we’ve invested millions in conservation and in normal years delivered over £300 million of annual economic gain to Scotland, benefiting many local businesses and communities.”

The NTS cares for 77,699 hectares of countryside.