Jackie Bird is first female to take on presidency of NTS
JOURNALIST and broadcaster Jackie Bird has been confirmed as the new president of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), it was announced yesterday.
Former Reporting Scotland presenter Ms Bird is the first female to take on the role at the conservation charity.
The appointment was endorsed by NTS members at its AGM in Glasgow yesterday.
Ms Bird is one of the bestknown faces on Scottish TV screens, having joined Reporting Scotland in 1989 and going on to become the show’s longestrunning presenter until her departure in April 2019 to pursue other projects.
The mother of two has also regularly hosted Hogmanay Live and the Scottish contribution to Children in Need.
In recent years, she has also hosted the NTS’s Love Scotland podcast series, which features experts and enthusiasts from all walks of life in each episode, exploring Scotland’s history, its wildlife and its landscapes at Trust properties and lands.
Between now and December, weekly episodes will continue to delve into the country’s past, with the latest podcast seeing Ms Bird sit down with historical writer Flora Fraser to discuss the life and legacy of Flora MacDonald.
After yesterday’s meeting, David Mitchell, the Trust’s deputy chair, said the organisation was “delighted” at the new appointment.
He said: “Jackie Bird is already a committed friend to the National Trust for Scotland, doing a wonderful job at presenting our Love Scotland podcasts. We are delighted that she has strengthened the connection, taking on this valuable ambassadorial role for the Trust and the work we do across Scotland.
“Jackie’s deep interest in Scotland’s heritage, and her skills at communicating that, will be a huge asset to the Trust.”
He added: “We’re grateful to Jackie for accepting the role, delighted that our members confirmed her appointment, and very excited about working with her to tell people about Scotland’s magnificent heritage and the work the Trust does to protect, care for, share and speak up for it.”
The NTS is the largest member organisation in Scotland.
As a conservation charity, it is supported by more than 300,000 members and is funded largely by donations.
Each year, its 88 properties, 300,000-plus artefacts and more than 76,000 hectares of countryside and gardens are visited and experienced by around three million people.
Ms Bird said she is “absolutely committed” to communicate the importance of the charity’s work in her new role, saying her presenting role with the podcast helped her develop a new appreciation of the Trust’s work.
She said: “When I started hosting the National Trust for Scotland podcast during the pandemic, my eyes were really opened to the value of its people, its places and the breadth of its activity to protect Scotland’s heritage.
“I knew the Trust cared for some of Scotland’s most historic buildings and landscapes but I hadn’t fully realised its vast remit in terms of protecting our natural world – from flora and fauna to the stewardship of entire islands.
“More than ever, I know the importance of the Trust’s work to all parts of Scotland and to all generations who live or visit here.
“I’m absolutely committed to, and excited about using my role as president to communicate that importance to different audiences, and I’m flattered to have the opportunity to do so.”