Thursday, June 16, 2011

National Trust for Scotland: trusting in change

It was a bit of a step up from stage-diving when rock stars The View threw themselves into the Highland air above the spectacular Killiecrankie gorge. They were among the first to try out a bungee-jumping attraction which is hoped to be worth £7.5 million to the local economy in Perthshire – and Scotland's biggest conservation agency is banking on cashing in on a large slice of that cake.

The Highland Fling Bungee was unveiled at the National Trust for Scotland site just months after Go Ape opened a high-wire treetop course at another of its sites, 16th century Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire, complete with zip wires, rope ladders and Tarzan swings.

At nearby Fyvie Castle, staff are gearing up for the site's 800th anniversary, which will be marked by a lavish concert in its grounds, headlined by soul star Beverley Knight, before an anticipated 5000-strong crowd.

It all seems a far cry from the traditional image of the National Trust for Scotland, probably best known for its careful stewardship of country houses, manicured gardens and historic castles.

Click here to read this article from The Scotsman