The National Trust for Scotland (“the Trust” or “NTS”) is Scotland’s largest conservation charity. Founded in 1931, its mission is to protect and promote Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy. The Trust cares for over 100 properties across Scotland, from the St Kilda Dual World Heritage Site and Culloden Battlefield to Glasgow’s Tenement House and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. It receives no direct government funding.

The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA (“NTSUSA” or “the Foundation”) is the American friends group of the National Trust for Scotland and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We raise visibility and funds in support of the Trust’s work, encouraging Americans to participate in the conservation of Scotland’s natural and built heritage by becoming members or making a donation to one of the Trust’s priority projects.

The founders of the National Trust for Scotland were inspired by the model of the Trustees of Reservations, a historic preservation nonprofit established in Massachusetts in 1891. The Foundation’s offices were originally located in Boston’s Old City Hall—one of the first examples of adaptive reuse of a historic municipal building in the United States.

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Foundation is a wholly apolitical entity. The official statement of neutrality for the National Trust for Scotland states: 

The National Trust for Scotland is a legally constituted charity independent of government. The Trust was established to further its charitable purposes, which are for the public benefit. The Trust is independent of all political parties and will not participate in any activity which furthers the interests of any political organisation or secures or opposes a change in the law for political purposes. No Trustee or employee of the National Trust for Scotland may in this capacity express political views or offer political support for any political party, candidate or politician.

The Trust reserves the right to organise and carry out campaigning activity, including bringing influence and pressure to bear on government, Ministers, politicians, and political parties, or to offer support for specific policies, if this serves our charitable purposes. In such circumstances we will always comply with charity law, civil and criminal laws, and codes of contact as they apply in addition to our fiduciary duties.

NTSUSA membership supports the National Trust for Scotland’s conservation work and connects you to Scotland’s heritage. Benefits  include free admission to National Trust for Scotland places (for the member and any additional named members on the membership, depending on level), quarterly magazines and mailing, member communications and invitations to events. Please visit our membership page for current benefits and levels.

You can join or renew online. If you need help with a renewal, an upgrade, or a membership question, please contact our office and we’ll assist you.

Membership generally begins when your purchase is processed and lasts for the term listed at the time you join (typically one year for annual memberships). If you are traveling soon, contact us and we can help confirm your status.

Members typically receive confirmation by email, along with instructions on how to download a digital membership card. If you need proof of membership for an upcoming visit, contact us and we can help.

Your digital membership card is typically accessible within 72 hours of purchase. If you are traveling within the next few weeks, please contact us so we can expedite your registration process.

Please contact us with your updated information and we will update your membership record.

Yes—gift memberships are available. You can purchase a gift membership online or contact us and we’ll help you arrange it.

Membership levels and pricing are listed on our membership page. If you have questions about which option fits your household, we’re happy to help.

Promo codes apply only to eligible membership types and may exclude certain categories (for example, lifetime memberships). Please review the promotion details or contact us if you’re unsure.

If you believe there has been an error with your purchase or you need assistance, please contact us. We will do our best to resolve the issue promptly.

Some places may require advance booking or timed entry at certain times of year. We recommend checking the individual property page before your visit for the most up-to-date guidance.

Many Trust places have seasonal hours, and some may close temporarily for conservation work, weather, or special events. Please check the property’s webpage for current opening information.

Accessibility varies by location due to the historic nature of many buildings and landscapes. Property pages often provide detailed accessibility information, and we encourage visitors to review NTS’ Accessibility Page before traveling.

NTS/NTSUSA currently has a reciprocity agreement with INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation However, reciprocal arrangements can vary and may change over time. The best way to confirm current reciprocal benefits is to check the relevant reciprocity listing before you travel. If you are unsure, contact us and we can help you confirm what applies.

Scottish Heritage USA and Chicago Scots are partner organizations with NTSUSA, whose members enjoy reciprocal membership benefits. If you have a question about a specific benefit (including reciprocal admission), please contact us and we will clarify.

The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. (If you have questions about deductibility, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.)

Yes, your membership fee payment is considered a donation and may be tax-deductible. Your receipt or acknowledgment letter will indicate the relevant details.

Yes. Donations and eligible membership payments receive a receipt/acknowledgment for your records. If you did not receive one, please contact us and we will resend it.

Supporters may be able to give in several ways, including one-time gifts, recurring gifts, donor-advised funds, gifts of stock, and employer matching. Please contact us to discuss options or visit our giving page for details.

Yes. Tribute gifts are welcome, and we can notify the honoree or a family member if you provide contact information.

We can provide our EIN and other organizational information upon request, and we may also list this information on our website for reference.

The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA focuses its efforts specifically on properties stewarded by the National Trust for Scotland, so we cannot provide general travel advice. However, the Trust offers rental options across its properties, including opportunities to stay in castles and coastal cottages. To learn more, please view the Trust’s accommodation information. In addition, by becoming an NTSUSA member, you can visit Trust places for free.

Yes. The Trust offers a range of accommodation options at or near some Trust properties. Availability and booking details can be found through the Trust’s accommodation listings.

Ancestry and genealogy-related searches fall outside of our mission, and we are unable to assist with such inquiries. However, these organizations may be helpful:

• MacDonald and Rees Ltd. (ancestry research services)

• New England Historic Genealogical Society (Boston-based genealogical organization)

• Ancestry.com and Genealogy.com (online databases)

We wish you the best of luck in finding out more about your family history—maybe you’ll even discover connections to some of the Trust’s castles and country houses!

Unfortunately, scholarships fall outside of our mission. However, the following organizations may be of use:

• Scots Charitable Society

• St Andrew’s Society of Illinois

• St Andrew’s Society of Albany

Opportunities vary by season and organizational needs. Please contact us to inquire about current opportunities.

Please contact our office with “Press Inquiry” in the subject line and we will route your request to the appropriate staff member.

You can reach us by email or phone, and we’re happy to help direct your question to the right person. Please see our Contact page for current contact information.

First, check your spam/junk folder and ensure you are using the email address associated with your membership. If the issue continues, contact us and we can help update your preferences.

We respect supporter privacy and use your information to administer membership, process donations, and share relevant updates. Please review our Privacy Policy for details.