Recognition for Fife’s National Trust for Scotland volunteers

Work at Falkland, Hill of Tarvit and Kellie Castle highlighted

Scores of dedicated volunteers at National Trust for Scotland (NTS) sites throughout Fife have been honoured for their commitment to volunteering.

People who have helped at Falkland Palace, Hill of Tarvit near Cupar and Kellie Castle near Pittenweem were recognised at a ceremony in Perth.

A total of 40 members of Falkland Garden Volunteers team range in age from 18 to 80 and together they volunteer for more than 120 hours a week, while also helping with special occasions and events.

They received a special commendation for work ranging from caring for cut-flower border and glasshouse plants to willow weaving and beekeeping.

Falkland Palace also celebrated the success of 34 of its volunteers, including nine gardeners, as they were presented with volunteer long-service awards.

Recognising service ranging from five to 20 years, the awards represented a total of 300 years of voluntary service to the trust.

The 31 volunteers at Hill of Tarvit were recognised for long service, as were 36 volunteers at Kellie Castle.

The 67 awards presented for the two east Fife properties covered 640 years of volunteering.

NTS chief executive Simon Skinner said: “Volunteers are a vital force in protecting Scotland’s heritage, devoting their time and talent to our charity and the wonderful places in our care.

“I want to say thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers who play such an important role at Falkland Palace, Hill of Tarvit, and Kellie Castle, and at every National Trust for Scotland site across the country.”

The NTS has around 3,500 volunteers who play a key role in keeping Scotland’s heritage alive at properties and offices all over the country.

Falkland Palace is looking for volunteers to join the indoor learning and guiding team, while a range of volunteer roles are available at Hill of Tarvit and Kellie Castle.

Those include guiding, visitor reception, collections conservation, cleaning, retail and catering; outdoor roles such as gardening, estate and golf course management; and specialist volunteer roles including piano-playing and historic textile conservation.

For information about volunteering with the National Trust for Scotland visit nts.org.uk/Volunteering/.

Volunteers are a vital force in protecting Scotland’s heritage. SIMON SKINNER

Volunteers at Falkland Palace with their National Trust for Scotland long-service awards.