The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA

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The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA Protecting Scotland’s heritage and natural beauty now and for generations to come

The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA encourages Americans to participate in caring for the irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage properties protected by the National Trust for Scotland. By raising visibility and funding for urgent conservation activities in Scotland, we can make sure that the rich history and traditions shared by Scots and Americans are preserved for future generat

ions. The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA supports the Trust in their educated and responsible approach to conservation by annually promoting a range of the Trust’s priority projects for the consideration of American donors. Since 2000, the Foundation has provided $10 million in funding for the Trust’s work. Donations to The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

29/05/2026

Feeling blue? Well, have you tried sailing to Iona?

If you like white sandy beaches and turquoise seas, you'll love this perfect slice of paradise!

Iona is just three miles long and one and a half miles wide; a tiny island found off the southwest coast of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides.

Don’t miss a trip to the top of Dùn Ì, where you can search for the mysterious Well of Eternal Youth. In spring and summer, listen out for the distinctive rasping call of the secretive and rare corncrake.

Iona is also where you can find the burial places of the early kings of Scotland, including Macbeth!

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our 2026 silent auction was a resounding success!A true highlight of the lot...
27/05/2026

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our 2026 silent auction was a resounding success!

A true highlight of the lots on offer was this stunning example of UK design and craftsmanship- the Caledonian Heritage Robert Burns Weather Art Clock by Bramwell Brown Art Clocks.

Bramwell Brown handmakes Art Clocks with captivating analogue Weather or Tide movements. Designed and crafted in Great Britain to be future heirlooms, their pieces do not require Wi-Fi or a smartphone, just a happy spot on your wall. Every Bramwell Brown Clock is made with a theatre set of moving mechanics that expresses a little weather forecast for the day ahead. Or the state of the tide at your favorite beach. They therefore make informative and characterful companions for the home.

This year, Bramwell Brown graciously contributed their truly impressive giant-size kinetic Art Clock to our silent auction, a horological tribute to Robert Burns. Meticulously handmade in the UK, its clever internal mechanics forecast the weather through both art and language. The stunning Scottish artwork physically shifts based on changing atmospheric pressure-transitioning on your wall from the sunlit Burns Monument to Tam o' Shanter's storm swept escape. The Bard's actual handwriting, lifted directly from his private notebooks, has replaced more traditional weather forecasting terms (from 'Yon sun' to 'Tempest's roar').

If you've been keeping an eye on Scottish presses, you've likely seen mention of the iconic Preston Mill & Phantassie Do...
25/05/2026

If you've been keeping an eye on Scottish presses, you've likely seen mention of the iconic Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot NTS- and for good reason.

After 30 years, restoration carried out by the National Trust for Scotland and supported by US and Scottish donors has wrapped, and the iconic mill is grinding again!

The mill, which was prominently featured in Outlander, has been the subject of much celebration across the UK, including on the front page of the Herald, as well as coverage in The Times, The Scotsman, the Daily Record, Metro and even the BBC (https://brnw.ch/21x2NPa).

The story of Preston Mill is truly a testament to the power of conservation and community. This triumph of restoration would not have been possible without the generosity and support of NTS and NTSUSA donors. So, from all of us in the US and beyond, thank you.

22/05/2026

If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, you'll love The Hermitage and Dunkeld NTS. Rivendell, or Highland Perthshire? 😍

This magical stretch of forest should be on your visit list all year round and not just in the autumn when its fall foliage steps into the spotlight.

The giant fir trees are some of the tallest in Britain, with pine-scented paths leading to the roaring Black Linn Falls and Ossian’s Hall.

The picturesque folly overlooking the waterfall was built in 1757. It makes for a great spot to listen to scores by Howard Shore, enjoy the views, or elope! (Yes, you can get married here! 🥰)

The Hermitage can easily be reached by train (Dunkeld & Birnham) or if you fancy combining a visit with a trip to chocolate-box Dunkeld, park in town and enjoy a two-mile casual stroll via Inver and Old Military Road, taking in the sites of Perthshire's Big Tree Country.

🚩SOS- Save Our Seabirds!🚩All across Scotland, seabirds of many kinds face challenges including the Avian flu, eel fishin...
20/05/2026

🚩SOS- Save Our Seabirds!🚩

All across Scotland, seabirds of many kinds face challenges including the Avian flu, eel fishing, and non-native species.

To combat these growing difficulties, National Trust for Scotland has embarked on a multi-pronged approach across its properties to provide for the seabirds in its care.

Our latest appeal focuses on suppling NTS with the funds and support it needs to undertake this critical work, and you can be a part of it!

Your support today will allow the Trust’s seabird experts to undertake vital monitoring projects, invest in innovative biosecurity solutions, and support research on a global response to help seabirds survive dwindling food stocks, avian flu and climate change. Donate today via https://brnw.ch/21x2EUW!

Make a gift of $200 or more and receive a wee stuffed puffin as a thank-you for your support!

15/05/2026

Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden NTS, originally known as Wemyss Hall, is a wonderful example of stately living at the beginning of the twentieth century.

In 1904, Frederick Sharp commissioned the architect, Robert Lorimer, to transform the seventeenth-century house into a modern mansion to display his collection of ceramics, paintings and furniture.

This contemporary home had all the latest inventions, including central heating, electricity from the estate’s own generator and a telephone system connecting most of the rooms.

Lorimer also designed the landscaped gardens, with formal lawns, yew hedging, flowering borders and a sunken rose garden. The Sharps later built a nine-hole golf course to fulfil their passion for golf.

Spring is officially upon us and with summer on the horizon we know many of you are finalizing your travel plans!In the ...
13/05/2026

Spring is officially upon us and with summer on the horizon we know many of you are finalizing your travel plans!

In the spirit of the season, here are some of our absolute favorite places to visit this time of year...

The Hermitage and Dunkeld NTS~ Hermitage and Dunkeld NTS ~ This stretch of magical Perthshire forest was originally designed as a pleasure ground in the 18th century for the Dukes of Atholl. Douglas firs tower over the paths leading to the roaring Black Linn Falls, where the River Braan crashes down into the deep, foaming pools below. Overlooking the waterfall is the picturesque folly known as Ossian’s Hall, built in 1757 as the focal point in an extensive designed landscape.

Brodie Castle & Estate NTS~ Castle & Estate NTS ~ with over 400 varieties of daffodil, the stunning ancestral home of the Brodie clan has as much to offer on the inside as it does outside. Set amongst acers of gentle Moray countryside, it offers the ideal place to explore amidst blue skies and sunshine.

Threave Garden & Nature Reserve NTS~ Garden & Nature Reserve NTS~ Threave’s wonderful garden has been created over the years by students of the NTS School of Heritage Gardening – and is a fine example of landscaped beauty. The garden is divided into a series of smaller gardens to showcase different styles, including a rose garden, rockery and walled garden. The wider estate caters for more adventurous tastes, and includes our flagship bat reserve. The nature reserve is a Special Protection Area for breeding waders and wintering wildfowl – pink-footed geese and Greenland white-fronted geese are regular visitors.

Torridon NTS~ Torridon has long been a magnet for hikers and climbers, a place of majestic beauty and uncompromising terrain. Considered by many to embody the North Highland landscape, Torridon is an ancient and enchanting wilderness of water and rock. There’s an amazing choice of walking and climbing routes on the property, with over 18 miles of paths to choose from.

We have some exciting updates on the restoration of the Kirk on St Kilda-In large part due to the generosity and outstan...
11/05/2026

We have some exciting updates on the restoration of the Kirk on St Kilda-

In large part due to the generosity and outstanding support of our donors, National Trust for Scotland is on track to fully restore the Kirk's interior and begin preparations for centenary celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of St Kilda's evacuation.

As the UK’s only dual UNESCO world heritage site, St Kilda’s cultural landscape is of value to the world. International and UK visitors are drawn to experience the natural beauty and wildlife and to understand more of the remarkable communities that lived there for thousands of years.

Descendants of St Kildans visit to reconnect with their heritage and can bring valuable insight to life on St Kilda through their family stories. Since the evacuation in the 1930s, the island has no permanent local community, but around a dozen people still live and work on the island throughout the year and approximately 5,000 people visit annually. The Kirk and attached school room are the only structures on the island that reflect their original use and are accessible to visitors.

The Kirk on St Kilda is not only historically important, it is functionally so as well. With the continued support of you, our friends and donors, we will ensure the Kirk continues to serve the island's visitors for generations to come!

Just a few weeks ago, NTSUSA had the distinct privilege of marching in the NYC Tartan Day Parade.NTSUSA Executive Direct...
06/05/2026

Just a few weeks ago, NTSUSA had the distinct privilege of marching in the NYC Tartan Day Parade.

NTSUSA Executive Director Kirstin Bridier had this to say of the experience:
"The sun was shining for Sam Heughan and thousands of Scotland fans on Saturday, April 11th at the NYC Tartan Day parade! NTSUSA staff, emerging leaders, members, and friends (including the British-American Business Council) were excited to march up 6th Avenue to the sound of pipe bands from the US and UK. Join us next year!"

What an exciting day all around! To those who were able to attend, what was your favorite highlight of the parade? Let us know in the comments!

Photos credit Sophia Zengierski

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