The National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation body. It was established in 1931 to protect historic buildings and countryside of great scenic beauty or environmental sensitivity. Today the Trust cares for 127 properties covering 78,000 hectares including mountains, coastlines, islands, woodlands, battlefields and historic sites, gardens, industrial heritage, castles, mansions and cottages, and their contents, reflecting the magnificent heritage that Scotland offers. Most of The National Trust for Scotland properties have been declared inalienable through special powers given to the Trust by Parliament. This means that they are held for the nation permanently and that they have to be cared for permanently.

The National Trust for Scotland is governed by a Council which meets quarterly and consists of a President, Vice-Presidents and up to 50 members elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Other members of Council represent local authorities and other organisations relevant to the work of the Trust.

An Executive Committee, chaired by the Chairman of Council, supervises and is responsible for the management of the Trust within the policies laid down by Council. The Committee meets eight times a year and its members include the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive/Director Finance and Resources, two Divisional Directors and four Regional Directors. The other committees include five specialist committees to deal with the Trust’s core activities and seven regional committees covering the four NTS regions and London.

The Chief Executive and staff, with responsibilities covering the whole organisation, are based in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. The Management Group, which includes the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive/Director Finance and Resources, Director of Operations, Director Countryside and Property Services, Head of Finance, Head of Human Resources and Head of Development, is responsible for building and gardens, countryside, finance, public affairs, commerce and American operations. Responsibility for the properties lies with the property manager/administrator who reports to one of four Regional Directors, based locally with specialist support staff.

The National Trust for Scotland has approximately 489 permanent and fixed term employees who are supported during the opening season by 659 seasonal employees and by a large group (2,133) of enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteers are invaluable because of the time they give so freely in so many ways. Volunteers range from age 16-70 and can help out in a variety of ways – as property guides, shop or restaurant assistants, conservation volunteers etc.