The special places in our hearts

THE DEBATE over the last ten weeks as to which of Scotland's many wonders we value most has served as an intriguing and important reminder of just what Scotland has to offer, not only to those of us who live here but to those who choose Scotland as their holiday destination or their place of study.

At the National Trust for Scotland, we care for 128 places of natural and cultural importance, including some of the nation's most significant historical sites like the Culloden battlefield, St Kilda and Bannockburn, as well as 40 gardens, 46 Munros, 16 islands and a great deal more.

However, while we work to conserve these places to the highest standards, promoting access and enjoyment at all times, we must also look forward to where the Trust's responsibility to safeguard the nation's heritage might lie in ten, 20 and even 50 years' time.

What will the people of Scotland value as their heritage in 2050?

Such a question cannot be answered easily but, as the Seven Wonders project has shown, people feel strongly about what is the 'best of Scottish' and it is up to those responsible for the care of our heritage, our culture, and our environment to listen to people's views and act on them.

Although it is unrealistic for the Trust to take on the care of the Forth Rail Bridge, we can work together with other institutions, whether it is Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage or the Scottish Executive, to ensure that our nation's assets are secure and can be enjoyed for many generations to come.

There can be no doubt that some places will always have a special place in the hearts of Scots, not least Glencoe, which has been in the Trust's care since 1935. Even the briefest experience of Glencoe can be a very moving one, as the ever-changing views of the landscape capture your imagination and the sense of dramatic history is unmistakable. There are few places that offer such beautiful scenes, such fascinating stories and such amazing wildlife and it is right that Glencoe be recognised as one the Seven Wonders of Scotland.

While the iconic places of Scotland deservedly grab our attention, some wonders of Scotland can be overlooked. At the Trust, part of our challenge is to make every aspect of Scotland's heritage accessible and enjoyable. It can be the life and works of Hugh Miller, the stonemason, geologist, writer and church reformer. It can be the grand and hugely influential architecture of Robert Adam, finely demonstrated at Culzean Castle or in Edinburgh's Charlotte Square. It can also be the intricate, internationally important, rare plant life of Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. All of these are truly wonderful but, at times, they are taken for granted.

However, it is not just the Trust's properties that we want to champion. In this, our 75th anniversary year, we are looking to build stronger relationships with our partners, our members and, even more importantly, those who feel disconnected from Scottish heritage, so that all of Scotland's wonders, big and small, are celebrated in the way they deserve to be. I hope that, in this special year, you will join us and be part of the celebrations.