Partnership opportunities
About us The National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation charity caring for, sharing and speaking up for Scotland’s heritage. Since 1931, we’ve been protecting and promoting Scotland’s natural, cultural and built heritage for present and future generations to enjoy.
As well as caring for and managing over 100 magnificent places, ranging from iconic castles and famous birthplaces to Victorian villas and 18th-century watermills, we also look after:
For over 90 years, we’ve been pioneering public access to and shared ownership of some of the most spectacular buildings, collections and landscapes in Scotland. Our mission is to ensure that our nature, beauty and heritage are protected, engaging and accessible for everyone to experience and enjoy.
76,000 hectares of countryside
300,000 precious artefacts 100,000 plants in our gardens 10,000 archaeological sites 275 miles of mountain footpath 8 National Nature Reserves The homes of over 1 million seabirds
Our loyal and growing audience Wide visitor engagement
Volunteer support
With nearly 6 million annual visits across 100 heritage and nature sites, we enjoy exceptional public reach and engagement.
More than 4,000 volunteers contribute time and skills each year, demonstrating the Trust’s important role at the heart of local communities.
Strong membership base
International reach
With over 330,000 members, we’re Scotland’s largest membership organisation, aiming to grow to 415,000 members by 2031.
In addition to welcoming visitors from across the globe, our sister charity, the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, connects with the Scottish diaspora across all 50 states, enhancing global engagement.
Media, digital and content reach Website engagement Our website attracts over 1.9 million active users, serving as a hub for information and engagement.
Social media reach We reach around 19.6 million people across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.
Print magazine impact We produce Scotland’s most widely read, award-winning membership magazine, delivered to over 210,000 households.
Podcast influence Our award-winning Love Scotland podcast, presented by broadcaster and Trust President Jackie Bird MBE, reached more than 190,000 listeners, expanding the Trust’s voice and influence.
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Why partner with us? A partnership with us offers companies the opportunity to: Build positive brand perception through an association with a charity known and loved throughout Scotland. Extend your reach to the Trust’s supporters and audiences. Deliver measurable environmental, heritage and community impact aligned with your ESG and sustainability objectives. Improve your staff’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Partnership activities we can offer include: A donation to support our crucial work. Unique sponsorship opportunities. Collaborate to develop co-branded or licensed products. Corporate membership for your employees. Staff volunteering days. Unique client engagement experiences. Advertising in our members’ magazine or on our podcast. 3
Pioneering Spirit National Trust for Scotland × The Glenlivet, a case study The National Trust for Scotland and The Glenlivet joined forces to reveal untold stories of Scotland’s whisky-making past. This pioneering partnership uncovered Scotland’s whisky heritage through archaeology, storytelling and brand engagement. Together, we created an ambitious programme that connected brand heritage with place, culture and conservation while engaging audiences through authentic storytelling and discovery. The partnership Through a six-year collaboration, the partnership delivered: Groundbreaking archaeology exploring illicit still sites across Scotland, including at The Glenlivet’s original distillery. Compelling storytelling through media campaigns, digital content and events. Audience engagement including volunteer excavations, live digs and expert talks. Integrated brand activation aligned with The Glenlivet’s heritage and bicentenary celebrations. 4
Results and impact Heritage and research 15 archaeological digs completed across Scotland. 40 illicit still sites identified and investigated. Significant new insights into Scotland’s whisky history. Winner of Current Archaeology’s Project of the Year Award 2025. Reach and engagement Our media campaign achieved 286 pieces of coverage, with a potential audience reach of 374 million. 425 volunteers engaged in archaeological activities. 17 expert talks delivered to almost 700 attendees. Value for The Glenlivet Strengthened brand authenticity through credible heritage-led storytelling. Differentiated the brand within the competitive global whisky market. Created unique client, customer and stakeholder experiences. Reinforced its reputation as a responsible business investing in cultural heritage. Value for the National Trust for Scotland Advanced priority research into Scotland’s whisky heritage. Established leadership in heritage conservation and interpretation. Engaged new audiences through innovative storytelling. Demonstrated the power of strategic corporate partnerships. Why it matters Pioneering Spirit showcases how a purpose-led partnership can deliver measurable business, brand and social impact. Combining shared values, authentic storytelling and public engagement, the project has become a model for transformative partnerships between heritage organisations and leading brands.
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Partnership opportunities We welcome the opportunity to work with organisations to create meaningful partnerships that reflect shared values, deliver measurable impact and support strategic objectives. The projects outlined in this brochure represent some of our most ambitious priorities for the next five years. Through partnership and philanthropic investment, these initiatives will help protect Scotland’s heritage, nature and communities for generations to come. Without the support of donors and partners, many of these projects wouldn’t be possible.
Built Heritage: Mackintosh Illuminated Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh were at the heart of the Glasgow Style, a period of extraordinary creativity that placed Scotland at the forefront of international art, architecture and design at the beginning of the 20th century. We care for two publicly accessible places central to their story: the Hill House in Helensburgh and the Mackintosh Tearooms on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Responding to critical needs and the opportunity to bring these two masterpieces together, Mackintosh Illuminated will deliver a unique conservation, learning and engagement project, involving communities and protecting this priceless heritage. For over a century, the Hill House has suffered from chronic damp due to Mackintosh’s design choices, with the inflexible Portland cement render trapping water inside the structure. Despite being one of the top 10 most influential Scots, there’s been deepening public concern for the future of Mackintosh’s work, following the closure and uncertain prospects of other Mackintosh buildings around Glasgow. Shockingly, Glasgow is also home to 47 of the 100 most deprived housing estates in Britain – with many communities close to the Mackintosh Tearooms living in poverty. Our Learning team has already been testing community activity, benefiting over 3,000 people every year from schools, local groups and ethnic minorities – but we can achieve so much more through this project.
Over two stages, our project will deliver: World-leading restoration of the Hill House, exploring solutions to damp in roughcast cement. Bespoke heritage training and apprenticeships to nurture skills in traditional and modern building conservation. A national hub for learning about the arts, history, design and architecture, including a learning offer for schools as well as adult and tertiary education. Inclusive community engagement and educational interpretation at both sites. The total cost of Mackintosh Illuminated is £20m over five years, towards which we’ve secured foundational funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We now need to bridge a £5 million gap to bring this project to life. 6
Partnership opportunities Gardens and biodiversity: Newhailes Centenary Garden Our charity cares for Newhailes House & Garden, a majestic 17th-century estate in Musselburgh. Renowned for its connections with the Enlightenment, Newhailes is much-loved by families, walkers, gardeners and tourists. At the heart of the estate is an historic Palladian house, the former home of the Dalrymple family and central to Scotland’s cultural and political life from the 18th–19th centuries. Its gardens are rich in diverse habitats, from ancient woodlands to parklands, and are among the few remaining early 18th-century designed landscapes in Scotland. Within easy reach of Edinburgh, Newhailes has a doorstep population of 500,000, with East Lothian having experienced the largest growth of any local authority in Scotland since the millennium – and more is expected. Within these areas exist pockets of poverty and inequality, yet a strong sense of community. During the pandemic, Newhailes became increasingly vital to local people. We established community allotments and opened our market garden for use by Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh patients with mental health issues. We now also work with lifeline organisations supporting young people, and with host schools delivering outdoor learning. As we approach our charity’s centenary in 2031, this project will honour 100 years of conservation while responding to today’s needs. We’ll create a community-focused Centenary Garden at Newhailes – restoring its important heritage, welcoming diverse communities, inspiring learning, and showcasing climate-resilient horticulture. The Centenary Garden will breathe new life into Newhailes, demonstrating the future of Scottish gardens as climate-resilient places for people, plants, nature and the next 8
generation. We’ll create enriching spaces where people can be with nature and each other, nurturing connection, health and social value. From design to planting and engagement, we’ll create the Centenary Garden in collaboration with volunteers, schools and local groups, reflecting the collective spirit of our community.
This project will: Reimagine the Flower Garden into one of the most immersive horticultural experiences in Scotland; an accessible, biodiversity-rich space for community planting, living classrooms, sensory play, demonstration of sustainable horticulture and peaceful reflection. Conserve historic garden walls and spaces for nature, such as precious original walled structures and ‘bee boles’ within the walls – historic alcoves traditionally used to house straw or wicker beehives. Develop a new sustainable structure in the garden to supercharge our learning and community development, whilst supporting staff and volunteer development; a space for formal and informal learning, events and training. This project will cost £4.77m and following foundational support we’re now working to bridge a funding gap of around £2m. Funding permitting, we hope to start work in spring 2027 and complete before our centenary in 2031.
© LDN architects
© LDN architects
© LDN architects
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Partnership opportunities Historic building conservation: Fyvie Reimagined Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate has over 800 years of Scottish history woven into its story. Fyvie Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Scotland and the oldest property our charity cares for. Its colourful past is rooted in hospitality and display, existing as an aristocratic hunting lodge and a grand Renaissance palace before becoming a Victorian party pad. Among its treasures are a series of unique 16thcentury rooftop sculptures and a magnificent collection of historic art and furniture, amassed by 19th-century owner Alexander Leith. Fyvie remains a special place, but it faces complex challenges, with the castle in urgent need of restoration to preserve its unique heritage. At the heart of Fyvie’s estate lies the 18th-century B-listed Old Home Farm, a remarkable collection of historic agricultural buildings that are central to the story of Fyvie – yet this complex is now in a worrying state of disrepair. Having taken ownership of Old Home Farm in 2024, we hope to restore and revive it for community, visitor and commercial use as the accessible face of Fyvie; the first crucial step in our 13-year masterplan to reimagine and conserve the castle and estate. We’ll save the buildings, provide education and community facilities and tell the stories of Fyvie more compellingly, while demonstrating sustainability in heritage regeneration. We’ll also transform estate access and develop nature-based learning facilities, from a new path connecting Fyvie village into the estate for the first time to a woodland school and young explorer’s trail. Funding permitting, we’ll kickstart the restoration of Old Home Farm later this year and complete the works in 2029, at a cost of £11.5M. Bolstered by foundational gifts from grant makers and individuals, we’re currently working to close a £4m funding gap to bring this project fully to life. Reviving Old Home Farm is the first step in reimagining Fyvie’s future. It’ll strengthen community connections, diversify our audiences, sustain local skills and employment and ensure the future of Fyvie Castle and its collections.
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Nature conservation We care for some of the nation’s most iconic wild places – from St Kilda and Glencoe to Ben Lawers, Torridon and beyond – protecting the landscapes, wildlife and natural heritage that define Scotland. Every year, our rangers, conservation specialists and volunteers work tirelessly to restore habitats, protect rare species, repair footpaths, deliver environmental education and welcome visitors to experience the beauty and biodiversity for which Scotland is world-renowned. We look after Scotland’s important habitats, with a special focus on heathlands, pinewoods and montane willow scrub on mountains; seabird colonies and machair on islands; and habitats defined by ancient and veteran trees in forests and parklands. Our species conservation focuses on mountain plants, seabirds and other species for which we have unique responsibility for at our places – such as hen harrier, red-necked phalarope, corncrake, willow tit and Scotland’s rarest freshwater fish, the vendace. We also look after endemic species occurring nowhere else in the world: the slender Scotch burnet moth and three species of whitebeam found only on Arran. Importantly, we work in partnership with others towards landscape conservation, including the restoration of Scotland’s rainforest. 12
Thanks to the work we lead and deliver in partnership with others, golden eagles soar over our mountains, puffins return to our cliffs, and ancient woodlands regenerate across thousands of hectares.
But caring for these extraordinary places requires sustained investment, expertise and partnership. Last year alone, we invested £2.65 million in conservation, delivering major achievements such as expanding native woodlands, improving nature-friendly farming, reversing declines in rare plants, monitoring vulnerable seabirds and supporting vendace to thrive again. 13
Partnership levels Partner with us to help protect, share and champion Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking transformational impact, meaningful employee engagement or powerful brand exposure, we can create a partnership that delivers value for your organisation while supporting places, nature and communities across Scotland.
Transformational partnerships: Working together to deliver lasting change for Scotland’s heritage, nature and communities Our highest-level partnerships are designed for organisations seeking to drive sector-leading impact. Built on a shared vision and strong alignment of values, these collaborations support innovative, landscape-scale projects with the potential to influence policy, inspire action and deliver lasting change. Transformational partners help shape pioneering initiatives through strategic investment, expertise and collaboration, creating measurable environmental, social and cultural impact. Benefits include: Strategic collaboration on nationally significant projects Thought leadership and sector influence opportunities Access to cross-sector networks and partnerships Joint communications and media activity Comprehensive impact reporting and evaluation Exclusive events, experiences and hospitality opportunities Public recognition as a leader in positive change All partnerships are bespoke, with investment starting from £75,000
Project partnerships: Supporting places, projects and conservation Project partnerships offer organisations the opportunity to support a specific property, conservation initiative or major project while aligning with one of Scotland’s most trusted charities. These partnerships combine financial support with opportunities to engage audiences, share expertise and create authentic stories of impact. Benefits include: Association with a specific conservation, heritage or engagement project Brand visibility across National Trust for Scotland channels Joint marketing, PR and storytelling opportunities Employee volunteering and engagement opportunities Access to unique venues and events Regular partnership updates and impact reporting Demonstrable contribution to environmental and community objectives All partnerships are bespoke, with investment starting from £25,000
Corporate membership: Connecting employees with Scotland’s heritage Corporate membership provides a meaningful employee benefit while supporting the protection of Scotland’s special places. By providing access to National Trust for Scotland properties, organisations can encourage wellbeing, outdoor experiences and family fun while demonstrating their commitment to social impact. Benefits include: Discounted individual and family day passes to our places Employee wellbeing and family engagement opportunities Usage reporting and engagement insights Association with a trusted national charity Support for Scotland’s heritage, nature and culture All partnerships are bespoke, with investment starting from £825
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Event sponsorship: Bringing people together through memorable experiences Our annual programme of events attracts thousands of members, visitors and families to some of Scotland’s most treasured places. Event Sponsorship provides a highly visible platform for brands to connect with engaged audiences while supporting inspiring experiences and community participation. Benefits include: Brand visibility across event marketing and communications Audience engagement opportunities Joint PR and promotional activity Corporate hospitality and VIP experiences Opportunities to showcase products and services Post-event reporting and impact measurement Alignment with heritage, culture and conservation All partnerships are bespoke, with investment starting from £20,000
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities: Reach engaged audiences across Scotland Promote your brand through our trusted communications channels, including our award-winning members’ magazine, delivered to more than 200,000 households, and our popular Love Scotland podcast. Flexible advertising and sponsorship packages can be tailored to meet your objectives while supporting our work. Benefits include: Access to highly engaged audiences Print, digital and audio opportunities Enhanced brand visibility and awareness Association with Scotland’s leading conservation charity All partnerships are bespoke, with investment starting from £1,365
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Next steps Thank you for considering a partnership with the National Trust for Scotland. We’re excited about the opportunity to collaborate and the positive impact your support will have on preserving Scotland’s unique heritage. Once you’ve had the chance to review the proposal, we’d be delighted to discuss any questions you may have and explore the next steps in more detail. We look forward to the possibility of working together to make a meaningful difference for future generations.
Contact: Jenny Black, Fundraising Manager, Corporate Partnerships: E: jblack@nts.org.uk T: 07549 726534 Andy Stephenson, Corporate Partnerships Lead – New Business: E: astephenson@nts.org.uk T: 07549 726040 Registered address: Broadstone, 50 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9LD
nts.org.uk The National Trust for Scotland is a Scottish charity, SC007410