The chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has said there is a “general acceptance” that a radical overhaul of the charity is necessary.
Simon Skinner said that some staff had put forward “alternatives” during the ongoing consultation on the changes, but that it had been a constructive process.
The NTS is in the midst of a reorganisation to try to widen its appeal and generate more income for conservation.
The overhaul is estimated to release savings of £4million a year for reinvesting in its operations.
But the plans will also mean an overall reduction in staff numbers, mainly at the Edinburgh base, with 142 posts classed as “at risk”.
As well as the job losses at its headquarters, the charity said the plans would create 68 new posts across Scotland, while about 42 posts would be transferred from its headquarters to be based alongside the properties it manages.
Despite the spectre of redundancies, Mr Skinner said the consultation on the proposed changes – which closes on Monday – had been positive.
He said: “There is generally an acceptance that the trust needs to change. There are individuals that have put forward alternatives, but generally speaking our devolved model has been welcomed.”
Mr Skinner said the NTS had been in “listening mode” throughout the consultation process – which has also included responses from trust members – and he praised the professionalism of staff at the charity.
“The whole change programme was built on the feedback from members. It is about trying to address these underlying issues for the trust,” he said.
“There is a £47million backlog of renovation works to protect not just buildings, but coastlines, islands.
“I am incredibly grateful to the staff that we have been consulting with for the professionalism they have shown.
“I have been on the other side of the table and I know what it is like.”
The NTS, which works to conserve and promote Scotland’s treasured places and collections, currently has 540 full-time and 750 seasonal staff.
Some of the buildings in line for additional investment include Brodie Castle near Forres, Culzean Castle and Country Park in South Ayrshire and Newhailes House in Musselburgh, East Lothian.
