Reid to lead a review of National Trust

THE former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament has been appointed to lead a review of the country's leading heritage charity.

George Reid has been tasked with carrying out an "independent and robust" view of the National Trust for Scotland to help secure the long-term future of the organisation.

Last month the charity announced the £8.75 million sale of its Charlotte Square headquarters. It has also accepted 45 voluntary redundancies from permanent staff and a further 43 from seasonal workers.

Mr Reid said: "Measures have been taken to ensure the Trust is stable for the next few years, but there are a number of long-term trends which need examination.

"I shall consult widely and work in transparency. I shall be taking evidence through interviews, written submissions and focus groups not just in Edinburgh but throughout Scotland. And, as I did at Holyrood, I shall be reporting publicly every month."

The Trust's chief executive, Kate Mavor, added: "I welcome the different perspectives a review will bring to help us on our continuing path to modernise the Trust and strengthen its long-term financial position."