Established in 1931 as the ‘National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty’, the now conveniently-shortened National Trust for Scotland (NTS) manages around 130 properties across the country,
Describing itself as "the charity that cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland's magnificent heritage", the NTS has the largest membership of any organisation in the country - with around 330,000 members.
Here are the 11 most-visited NTS attractions during 2024, according to figures from the Association of Leading Visitors Attractions (ALVA) - all of which are perfect to visit during the school holidays.
9. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Located just ourside Ayr in the village of Galloway, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum was visited 198,115 times last year. You can visit the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life, before checking out more than 5,000 Burns artefacts in the museum and continue your adventure by following in Tam o’ Shanter’s footsteps to Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o’ Doon. Haggis, neeps and tatties are, of course, served in the museum cafe. | Google Maps
10. Killiecrankie
In 1698 Killiecrankie, located just to the north of Pitlochry, was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history. Today it's a glorious walk, particularly in the autumn, with spectacular views from a footbridge over the wooded gorge. Last year 184,459 visited and saw Soldier’s Leap, the spot where a Redcoat soldier leapt 18ft across the raging River Garry, fleeing the Jacobites. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Threave Garden
Completing our list of the most popular National Trust for Scotland attractions, with 121,841 visitors in 2024, is Threave Garden. Located to the south of Castle Douglas, the gardens are centred around Threave House, designed in the Scottish Baronial style in 1871 for the Gordon family. There are a number of gardens - from walled to rose - all beautifully landscaped. Meanwhile, the attached nature reserve is a haven for breeding waders and wintering wildfowl. | Google Maps