Get involved

From our brilliant volunteers to our local members’ groups and our generous Patrons’ Club and Founders’ Circle members, we couldn’t do what we do without the passionate people who get involved with our work.

By joining our efforts you’ll contribute to the protection of Scotland’s heritage, meet like-minded people, share your passion and skills, and help to raise vital funds. Even the smallest things can make a big difference, and there are a lot of ways to get involved!

Volunteering

We wouldn’t be where we are without our amazing volunteers, and we’re delighted to celebrate their roles. By generously donating their time, skills, experience, and enthusiasm, they allow us to do so much more to protect and share Scotland’s heritage.

We’ve got so many projects across Scotland that there’s room for people from all walks of life, and any age. We’re always looking for new volunteers, and there’s a huge variety of fun and fascinating opportunities for people to join our teams and lend a hand. Inspired by our longest serving volunteer, you might still be helping our cause 50 years later!

Thinking of volunteering?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re 4 or 94, you can support us in all sorts of ways, from guiding visitors and sharing your love of history, to assisting our countryside rangers and getting your hands dirty in the garden – even the smallest contributions make a big difference.

Learn more

A woman in period costume in a room lined with oil paintings

Members’ Centres & Friends’ Groups

Run by members ... for members! If you want to get involved with your local Trust community and lend a hand to help raise extra funds for our work, why not join your local Members’ Centre or Friends’ Group? There are numerous groups across Scotland, and 2 in England (in London and Cambridge), all helping in different ways.

From selling second-hand books to managing plant stalls and helping with gardening at our properties, these groups are powered by people like you who want to show their love for Scotland and lend a hand. Alongside raising money for the Trust, they also host fun events and get-togethers.

It’s a great way to support our work, celebrate Scotland and make friends along the way. If you want to get involved, look for the members’ group near you!

Did you know?

Last year alone, our members’ groups raised more than £150,000.

Find out more

A group of people stand on a hillside, with a loch far below them in the background.

Patrons’ Club

The Trust’s Patrons’ Club was launched in 2003 and is open to anyone donating £6,000 or more every year to the Trust. For anyone with a passion for philanthropy and protecting Scotland’s heritage for future generations, it’s a wonderful opportunity to support our cause and join a global family of like-minded people.

Along with supporting our crucial work, you’ll also have the chance to engage with our work through an exclusive programme of national and international events and trips. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access to our places, a dedicated contact in our Fundraising team, and bespoke communications to match your interests.

Every year, Patrons’ Club members are invited to join us at an exclusive event at a Trust property. This year, people from all over the world are coming together at Fyvie Castle to celebrate the projects they’ve supported and enjoy a special dinner in the castle.

Incredible support

In recent years the support of the Patrons’ Club has funded key projects such as the Burns Collection Online Project, the work at Arduaine Garden in the wake of Storm Arwen, and the care and protection of Scotland’s seabirds. During the COVID pandemic, the Patrons’ Club Challenge raised more than £1m for the Trust; their contribution to our work is immeasurable.

Learn more

A close-up photo of the end of a handwritten letter from Robert Burns, where he has signed his name on the bottom right corner. Burns has used a brownish ink on parchment-style paper. The letter has been mounted on cream card.

Founders’ Circle

The Founders’ Circle was formed in 2019, inspired by those amazing people who helped to set up and establish the Trust’s work. It’s open to people who donate £1,000 or more every year to the Trust, and welcomes passionate people from all walks of life with a shared passion for Scotland and its wonderful places.

Founders’ Circle members are invited to our properties to hear from Trust experts in everything from built heritage and history, to art, gardens and countryside. We also send you bespoke communications tailored to your interests and updates on the projects supported by your gifts.

Exclusive benefits

Join us at our exclusive Founders’ Circle members’ event so you can see first-hand the benefits of your donations as well as meet the staff and volunteers who make all the difference to our work.

Learn more