About

In Trust for Scotland was formed in March 2009 to provide a forum for NTS members, staff and volunteers frustrated at the lack of consultation by the Leadership Team. We believed decisions were being taken which were not in the best interests of the organisation’s long-term future.

We called for an independent and radical review of the Trust’s cumbersome and ineffectual governance structure and for a more open and democratic system to ensure the long-term survival of the NTS. We were gratified when the Rt Hon George Reid was appointed to conduct a Strategic Review.

Next Steps

With publication of the Strategic Review on 9th August 2010, ITFS will continue to provide a forum for comment. We expect a full discussion of the issues and recommendations at the NTS Annual General Meeting on 25th September 2010.

ITFS has submitted the following AGM motion to stimulate discussion:

While the Strategic Review under Dr George Reid has progressed, there has been no visible improvement in governance by the continuing unwieldy Council, Board or Executive staff of the NTS. Examples are:- undisclosed sales’ benefits eg. 26-31 Charlotte Square, 2-6 Hope St Lane, Northgate House Peebles; – closed properties eg. Leith Hall, Huntly; untenanted rental property eg. Ramsay Garden, Edinburgh; quantities of valuable ‘spare’ furniture eg. Bute House, Wemyss House – put into expensive storage or sold.

Transparency and accountability to the membership are not optional.

We therefore propose:

  • A requirement that volunteer guides and local membership, involved in the support of properties, must be actively consulted and heeded by the Council and Executive staff.
  • That their essential contribution be specifically extended by the inclusion of young members.
  • That the co-operation of the Scottish Government Minister for Education be invited to support the involvement of youth within the NTS properties.
  • We also reaffirm our 2009 AGM call for a Business Plan for each property.


    • We welcome the appointment of Sir Kenneth Calman as Chairman at this important time.

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» Strategic Review Report Published

YOUR COMMENTS REQUIRED

A FIT FOR PURPOSE NTS, is the goal of the review which recommends a programme of reform including:

  • - The number of NTS Trustees to be reduced from 87 to 15 – to give the organisation strategic direction.
  • - A new Board to be elected by April 2011 – to implement the reform agenda.
  • - A new Mission Statement to be agreed with members — to emphasise the Trust’s core conservation purpose.
  • - An audit and a full property portfolio review of the NTS estate — to determine the cost of maintenance of its estate and its future management.
  • - A five year strategic plan— to ensure that the Trust worked in future to specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound objectives.

You can download a copy from the NTS website. This report will be discussed at the AGM on 25th September, perhaps members’ only real opportunity to put their views.

AGM Proxy

Members who cannot attend the AGM can complete and return a proxy form to nominate the Chairman of the meeting or any other member as a proxy to vote on their behalf on the ITFS motion and other items. If you would like to nominate Miss Mary E Mackenzie of In Trust for Scotland please download the attached proxy form and return it to ITFS at the address below by Friday 10th September so we can collate them an deliver to the Trust by the deadline.

We welcome all comments either on this Website Forum, our Facebook Page, or by e-mail.

In Trust for Scotland
PO Box 13819
Peebles
EH45 6AB

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