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The Best of the National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is Scotlandís leading conservation organisation and is responsible for looking after and preserving over 100 properties together with nearly 100,000 acres of land. The buildings range from the magnificence of a Royal palace, such as Falkland Palace, the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Culzean Castle, the masterpiece of the architect Robert Adam, through the great houses of the Scottish aristocracy and landowners. At the other end of the scale there are the humbler birthplaces of famous Scots such as J. M. Barrie and Hugh Miller. Examples of the works of famous architects including William Adam, Alexander ĎGreekí Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh are carefully restored and furnished and are regularly open to the public. The National Trust for Scotland looks after many square miles of some of Scotlandís widest and remotest countryside in the Highlands and this, in keeping with being the countryís leading conservation agency, is managed in the most environmentally friendly manner. The National Trust for Scotland owns a number of islands, Fair Isle, world famous for its beautiful knitting; Staffa, with the magical Fingalís Cave immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture and, far to the west of the mainland of Scotland, lonely St Kilda far off the beaten track for all but the most adventurous of travellers. The National Trust for Scotland is a charity and depends on its members and visitors for revenue so a visit to a Trust property helps continue their vital work of preserving Scotlandís heritage. One of the National Trust for Scotland's itineraries lasts for seven nights, and begins and ends in the majestic city of Edinburgh. Day one Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five We will spend the next two and a half days visiting some of the National Trust for Scotland's finest properties in the north east of Scotland. Fyvie Castle which contains a magnificent collection of fine furniture and paintings. The lovely gardens of Pitmedden, and then to Haddo House designed in 1731 by William Adam. Drum castle is certainly well worth a visit with one of the oldest tower houses in Scotland and Castle Fraser. Our final day begins with a visit to Crathes Castle before journeying south to Edinburgh. |