Strengthening the team at the Trust

The ability to contribute to the Trust’s seasonal conservation work is an important motivation for returning staff members. Seabird and Marine Ranger Craig Nisbet returns to St Kilda for his third season on the distant islands, after working in the rather more exotic climes of the Seychelles.

Craig said: ‘My work on St Kilda for the National Trust for Scotland is massively inspiring and living in this incredible location is an honour and a privilege. Seabird conservation has never been as important as it is now, with our populations facing multiple threats to their survival, most notably as a result of the recent avian influenza outbreak internationally. Playing a part in developing a greater understanding of these threats will help to improve conservation measures that can be taken to benefit seabird populations now, and in the future.’

Jordanna Kitching returns to St Abb’s Head in her role as engagement ranger to build engagement with local schools and assist with wildlife monitoring, after spending time at the rugged coastal headland nature reserve in 2022. Jordanna said: ‘The National Trust for Scotland is an inclusive and supportive organisation that fosters positive change, and I am motivated by this to inspire others to interact positively with the world around them. I am so excited to be returning to St Abb’s Head and this season promises to be jam packed with an exciting range of events and outreach activities that aim to share the amazing nature, wildlife and history that we have at the reserve with the public.’

Lewis Donaghy will be lending his expertise to plant life monitoring at Ben Lawers after monitoring mountain flora and fauna in Corrour for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and tree planting for the Knoydart Forest Trust. Lewis said: ‘Having worked previously as the Seasonal Ecologist at Ben Lawers in 2021, I wanted to continue my career in conservation and ecology at the National Trust for Scotland. It puts conserving and improving its properties at the forefront of what it does, and I was excited to work for an organisation that protects landscapes to better serve wildlife and people. Botany is my main interest and being offered this role provides an opportunity to develop this passion even further, through studying and monitoring the rare mountain plants. The job focuses on conservation efforts, and I have a strong desire to contribute to them and hope that I can provide information that will help to sustain and grow the rare mountain assemblage of plants in this incredible location.’

Alongside Craig, Sue Loughran continues her role as ranger on St Kilda. James McGurk joins Lewis, continuing his role as seasonal ranger at Ben Lawers after working at St Abb’s Head during the winter months. Engagement ranger Lindsay Warner continues in her role at Glencoe while Emily Wilkins continues as ranger on the island Staffa, joined by new member of staff Louise King – all thanks to the support provided by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘We’re grateful for the continued, generous support for our conservation charity by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who have helped support a wide variety of important conservation projects at our places since 2014. From the eradication of invasive plant species to managing biosecurity of seabird colonies on our remote islands, our charity’s work has been greatly enhanced by this additional funding and has helped leverage further support from our donors, as well as vital funding from our members, supporters and donors to protect and care for our country’s natural heritage across the length and breadth of Scotland.

‘We have worked tirelessly to help improve biodiversity and reduce the impacts of climate change for the wildlife that call our National Nature Reserves home, from the seabirds on the distant island archipelago of St Kilda, 41 miles off the coast of the Outer Hebrides, to the seals on the beach under the rugged coastal headland of St Abb’s Head, near the Scottish border. We are incredibly proud of the work we have done so far but there is still much more to be done. People’s Postcode Lottery’s Love Our Nature project, supports our vision outlined in our 10-year strategy to provide access to nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, and helps us achieve our conservation objectives to stabilise and improve the condition of our estate, enable nature to flourish and enrich Scotland’s protected heritage.’

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: ‘We’re thrilled that our players are able to support the return of experienced seasonal staff to continue the crucial conservation work taking place at the National Trust for Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. These spectacular locations are key in the efforts to tackle the climate crisis by safeguarding the natural habitats of wildlife and flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy.’

The Love Our Nature project supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to deliver nature, beauty and heritage for everyone. The project is one of many contributing to its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022, and supports its conservation objectives, to stabilise and improve the condition of its estate, enable nature to flourish and enrich Scotland’s protected heritage.

Read more about our strategy