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22 Aug 2024

Edinburgh Members’ Centre celebrates 50th anniversary

Written by Devan LaBrash
Eight people from the Edinburgh Members' Centre stand in front of a green wall, looking at the camera.
Members of the Edinburgh Members’ Centre gathered to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The Edinburgh Members’ Centre recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special gathering of members and local Trust colleagues.

Established in 1974, the Edinburgh Members’ Centre aims to promote the work of the Trust to people in Edinburgh, raise funds for our conservation charity, and help to make Trust membership an even more enriching experience by organising visits and hosting talks about specialist topics.

We are fortunate to have the support of numerous Members’​ Centres and Friends’​ Groups across the country. These organisations generously support our work in caring for and sharing special places in Scotland.

The Edinburgh Members’ Centre has raised more than £175k since 1993, when its records began, to support the protection of Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone. With just over 300 members in 2024, the Centre organises a programme of activities throughout the year, which have included recent visits to Chester, Falkland Palace & Garden, the Hill House and Culzean Castle & Country Park, as well as talks from experts on subjects including orca conservation, Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish antiquaries. In years gone by, some members have travelled as far afield as St Kilda, the Trust’s most remote location.

A view of the exterior of Falkland Palace on a sunny day, with the gardens in the foreground. The Hill House seen surrounded by the chainmail 'box' on a very sunny day. The sunken Fountain Court garden at Culzean, with the castle forming an impressive backdrop. A round stone fountain with a cherub at the centre is in the foreground.

Jim Bremner, Chairman of the Edinburgh Members’ Centre, said: ‘Since the Centre’s formation, members have been arranging a wide array of visits, walks and talks, as well as volunteering missions at Trust places. Feedback often praises how much variety we offer in terms of locations for visits and walks, which give members an opportunity to see and learn about places they may not otherwise get to or know about – particularly those without their own transport. And we receive similar positive comments on the selection of talks we host.’

Quote
“Many of our members, including myself, are or have been committed National Trust for Scotland volunteers and have enjoyed supporting the work of the charity, and learning more about the breadth of places that it cares for across the country.”
Jim Bremner
Chairman of the Edinburgh Members’ Centre

Stuart Maxwell, Edinburgh & East Regional Director, said: ‘Over its 50-year history, the Edinburgh Members’ Centre has been a great support to the National Trust for Scotland. Through their generous donations and fundraising activities, they have contributed more than £175,000. They have brought together local members to create a wonderful community, and many of the members are also dedicated volunteers at Trust properties in the Edinburgh area, playing a pivotal role in the visitor experience at these places. We’re very grateful for all their support.’

To join, or for further information about the Edinburgh Members’ Centre, visit the Edinburgh Members’ Centre website.

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