New Trust President in place

Archaeologist, TV presenter and author Neil Oliver has become President of Scotland’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland. Members confirmed the appointment at the Trust’s Annual General Meeting at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Saturday 30 September 2017. Around 100 members attended the AGM.

"Neil has championed Scotland and its heritage throughout his career – unearthing new insights into its stories, sharing our stunning scenery and fascinating audiences all over the world."

- Sir Moir Lockhead, National Trust for Scotland Chairman

We’re very excited about the energy, enthusiasm and opportunities for more engagement that he will bring to our charity as we work to protect Scotland’s heritage, and share and celebrate all that we have to offer with more people.

Mr Oliver took over from Lord Lindsay, who has held the role since 2012 when he succeeded the Duke of Buccleuch. Trust Chairman Sir Moir Lockhead offered a formal thank you to Lord Lindsay, paying tribute to his huge contribution to the Trust, during a period of change.

Also on the agenda was a Trustee election. Following a ballot of members, Veronica Morriss will serve another term on the Board; David Mitchell and David Leslie join for the first time; Steve Langmead has been co-opted to the Board. Sir Peter Erskine, Peter Ord and Ian Doig stepped down.

"The National Trust for Scotland protects so much of what makes Scotland special. Over the years I have dug up some of its places, visited many more and been completely inspired by it all. I can’t wait to get more involved and I’ll be encouraging others to do the same."

- Neil Oliver, National Trust for Scotland President

Simon Skinner, Chief Executive provided an update on the charity’s work over the last year, the progress on the change programme and priority projects at Culzean Castle, Brodick Castle, Brodie Castle and Newhailes, and Project Reveal – a nationwide project to document every item in our collection.

Two awards were also made at the event – the George Waterson Memorial Award is for staff and volunteers who make an outstanding contribution to the charity. Dave Hector, Thistle Camp leader volunteer and Alex Barr-Sim, Ben Lomond bunkhouse property assistant were this year’s recipients.

The Colin Donald Environmental Law Award was awarded to Leo Lehr, an Austrian Masters student at the University of Edinburgh. Leo’s essay was entitled ‘The Struggle to Enact Legal “Carbon Capture and Storage” Regimes.’