Committed Culross colleague’s farewell season

Michael Pitt started volunteering with the Trust in 1998, aged 64, after replying to an advert in the local press. Michael’s move into heritage came after a very successful medical career, during which he was the Superintendent Radiographer at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and then Principal of the Edinburgh School of Radiography.

Now, at 90, Michael has decided to step down from his role at Culross, and this will be his final season with the Trust.

Elaine Longmuir, Visitor Services Manager at Culross, paid tribute to Michael, saying: ’Michael has always been a key member of the team at Culross Palace. At 90 years old, he’s our eldest team member and will be greatly missed as he has decided to step down as a guide in 2024.’

During his time at Culross, Michael cultivated a particular interest in Thomas Cochrane, one of the Royal Burgh’s most high-profile residents. Michael says: ’Thomas Cochrane lived a long and eventful life. Born in 1775, he died in 1860, a few weeks short of his 85th birthday. He lived from hero to disgrace and back to superhero.’

Among Cochrane’s many notable exploits were almost destroying the French western fleet at La Rochelle, being falsely accused of fraud on the Stock Exchange, and wrongly and unjustly sentenced to prison. He was dismissed from the Royal Navy and stripped of the Order of Bath. However, he was later restored to the Order of Bath, and later still he became Admiral of the Fleet, the Royal Navy’s highest rank and he was buried in the nave of Westminster Abbey. Michael recommends the book Cochrane the Dauntless by David Cordingly for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating historical figure.

Over the years, Michael has met and connected with many visitors, including one from the United States with whom he continues to correspond.

As Michael’s time with the Trust draws to a close, his contribution to the charity cannot be understated. He remains a committed supporter and is keen to promote the Trust. He has recently sold three memberships, including to the nurse at his COVID vaccination!

People Director Pam Milne said: ’It’s a testament to Michael’s dedication that he has devoted so many years to the National Trust for Scotland and, in particular, his work to share the stories of Culross that have inspired him. There are not many organisations where people are so passionate about their work that they want to continue into their 90s! I am proud that this is how Michael feels about the Trust, and I thank him sincerely for his decades of service.’