3 WELCOME7 NEWS 16 LETTERSReaders have their say18 BEHIND THE SCENES Meet the team at Mar Lodge Estate36 OBJECT OF VIRTUE Tea caddy at the Georgian House59 ASK THE EXPERTS Tips on attracting garden birds, donatingcurios and maintaining your home61 EVENTS GUIDEWhat's happening at Trust properties inthe months to come66 RETAIL Jewellery and books70 INSIGHT A sustainable future for crofting74 FROM THE ARCHIVE Irish guests at Culloden RegularsScotland in Trustis available inlarge print oraudio format(CD/cassette). If you'd like acopy, contact 0844 493 2100detailing which format yourequire.667418706159WIN A NIKON CAMERA!WWW.NTS.ORG.UK5

The journey is just the start of the adventureSCENIC RAIL TOURS AROUND BRITAIN6 TO 10 DAY HOLIDAYS FROM £565BOOK WITH 100% CONFIDENCEwww.GreatRail.comFULLY BONDED, FULLY PROTECTEDTHE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT 7 days from £6756 departures between 24 May and 4 October 2012Experience the grace and beauty of this delightful region, and take advantage of witnessing the Lake District by train. We glide effortlessly on vintage trains and steamers around the famous lakes, taking in the high fells and staying in Beatrix Potter's former home.YORKSHIRE & NORTHUMBERLAND8 days from £67515 departures between 6 May and 7 October 2012Scenic rail journeys bring to life the history and wild, natural beauty of Yorkshire and Northumbria on this wonderful eight day tour. Follow in Viking and Roman footsteps, visiting historic York, Chester's Roman Fort, Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne.THE ENCHANTING EMERALD ISLE 10 days from £1,1584 departures between 17 May and 20 September 2012Rugged coastline, beautiful rolling hills and dramatic castles are all within reach on this tour of the Emerald Isle. Our highlights include the Ring of Kerry, Cork and Cobh, the legendary Blarney Stone, the Cliffs of Moher and Ireland's wonderful capital, Dublin.RAILWAYS & CASTLES OF WALES 6 days from £56514 departures between 10 April and 26 October 2012Wonderful mountain railways and castles of Wales are an integral part of this adventure as we explore the highlights. Our base in Llandudno is ideal for climbing Snowdon by rail and discovering the castles of Caernarfon and Conwy.Dates and prices are subject to availability. Prices shown are per person based on 2 sharing. Terms and conditions apply.1. ReassuringOur customers who book in advance will never pay a higher price than last minute bookers.????2. FairIf we reduce our tour prices for any reason we also apply the saving to customers who have booked already.????3. FlexibleIf your confi rmed departure becomes unsuitable, for a small charge, you can change to an alternative date or choose a different tour. ????4. Value for moneyWe include so much in our prices - rail travel, transfers and a Tour Manager throughout, quality hotels, excursions and sightseeing.????5. TransparentWe clearly specify everything that is included in the itineraries to make budgeting easy and highlighting any optional extras where additional costs will apply.????6. GuaranteeOnce we've confi rmed your booking, we guarantee not to increase the price, even to account for factors beyond our control.COLLECTIONTHEBRITISHyou simply couldn't put such inclusive holidays together yourself for lessTO OUR CUSTOMERSOUR 6-POINT PRICE PROMISETO BOOK OR REQUEST A FREE BROCHURE CALL 01904 734327WE'RE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKStunning