The National Trust for Scotland is the heritage organisation which looks after hundreds of buildings, gardens and places which are vital to an understanding of Scottish history, heritage and culture.
Learning Services for Schools
The Learning Services Department supports learners of all ages and can provide workshops, guided tours, talks and practical sessions, including a wide variety of resources.
We do this in many ways but especially through:
Our Teams
Two Learning Managers, based at area offices, have responsibility across the Trust for Learning Events and Resources. At certain sites, Learning Managers and Officers devise in-depth programmes for lifelong learning, including active learning for schools.
The Interpretation Team, based at the Trust’s central office, create permanent displays and a wide range of interpretive material for all Trust places.
The NTS Ranger/Naturalists deliver learning in the Trust’s country parks and countryside places while protecting important areas of natural heritage.
Additional Assistance
Find out how you could claim 75% of your transport costs up to a maximum of £250 - Travel Subsidy >
Become a member of the National Trust for Scotland and save money - Schools membership >
Buildings
The National Trust for Scotland's portfolio of 129 properties includes some of the finest elements of Scotland's architectural heritage. These are just some of the buildings in our care:
Archeology
The Archaeology Team is led by the Trust's Head of Archaeology, and consists of two Area Archaeologists and the St Kilda Archaeologist, as well as Project Archaeologists from time to time. As one of Scotland's largest landowners the Trust cares for over 10,000 archaeological sites and features (over 100 are Scheduled Ancient Monuments). Many of the 1.500 roofed structures owned by the Trust, of which 270 are listed, also contain elements of archaeology. While this resource varies from property to property it also varies greatly in date, from the Mesolithic through to the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Countryside
From Unst to St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve and from the islands of St Kilda and Iona to the mountains ofGlencoe and Mar Lodge Estate, we look after some of Scotland's finest landscapes and wildlife.
Today we own 78,000 ha, including core landholdings at the heart of both of Scotland's National Parks, seven National Nature Reserves, 27 sites designated as of European importance for nature conservation and 46 sites of national importance. We care for over 400 Islands and over 400 miles of footpath - a truly awesome responsibility, and one that we approach with increasing levels of professionalism.
Find out more about how to plan your school's visit here.
There are Teachers' Information Sheets for most Trust places.
Safety First for Outdoor Visits offers advice when taking pupils to countryside areas.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.