Controversial changes to Scotland’s largest conservation charity have been unanimously agreed by its trustees.
The 350,000-member National Trust will now be overhauled in a bid to widen its appeal and generate more income for preservation works.
It’s estimated the transformation could 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 90 posts now classed as “at risk”.
Original proposals in June had called for 142 staff to potentially face the threat of redundancy, but this has now been reduced following a 90-day consultation.
The organisation’s chief executive, Simon Skinner, said: “It was clear the need for change was fully endorsed and, as a result of the information and practical suggestions received, we have made changes to our proposals that enhance the programme we are now enacting.
“The changes allow us to retain a core staff of specialists, who will support conservation and visitor services at properties and enable us to bring in new skills and competencies that ensure we offer world-class experiences.
“[They will also] deliver a new regional structure that puts the places we care for firmly at the centre of decision-making and planning.
“More efficient ways of working will complement other sources of funding, so that we can prioritise £17 million of investment to make our properties better.
“We have already announced the first tranche of investment in Culzean Castle and Country Park, totalling £2.5 million, and there is more to come.”
Mr Skinner also thanked everyone who had taken part in the consultation process and praised the “constructive” contribution of the Prospect union.
He added: “It is inevitable that we will be losing some people through the changes, but we hope that as many as possible can find roles in the new structure.
“It will be a difficult time for some and we will offer as much support and help as we can.”
Implementation of the changes is now underway and will be complete by the summer of 2017.
