Who better to look after our national treasures than ...a national treasure!
Jackie Bird is new president of National Trust for Scotland
HER composed and unflappable style during 30 years as anchor of BBC Scotland’s flagship news show made her a national treasure.
So who better than Jackie Bird to take over the high-profile role of president of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), the charity which acts as guardian of the nation’s historic buildings and landscapes?
The announcement that the popular broadcaster had been appointed to the post comes after a period of turmoil for the organisation, which faced an estimated £74 million loss two years ago due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Its previous president, TV presenter and outspoken freedom of speech campaigner Neil Oliver, also stepped down in 2020 following a social media storm when he expressed support on Twitter for controversial historian Dr David Starkey.
Three years earlier, when staunch pro-Unionist Mr Oliver was first
‘I’m excited and flattered to have this opportunity’
appointed, the NTS faced dissent from some of its members who were supporters of Scottish independence, who tore up their membership cards and signed petitions in protest.
Ms Bird, who has been presenting the charity’s Love Scotland podcast throughout the pandemic, said she was flattered to be asked to take the helm.
She said: ‘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.’
She added: ‘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.’
The charity – which owns and manages around 130 properties, 76,000 hectares of countryside, 46 Munros and 400 islands and islets – is 97 per cent funded through memberships. It is Scotland’s largest membership organisation with more than 300,000 people signed up.
The journalist and broadcaster, the first woman appointed to the role, quit the BBC in 2019 to pursue documentary-making and radio work.
Trust deputy chairman David Mitchell said: ‘Jackie Bird is already a committed friend to the National Trust for Scotland, doing a wonderful job 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.
‘We’re grateful to Jackie for accepting the role, delighted that our members confirmed her appointment and very excited about working with her.’